Omaha Public Library unveiled its Book Bike in early August 2014.
The custom-built bike, complete with book trailer stocked with books to borrow and give away, was funded through the Omaha Public Library Foundation, opens a new window and was crafted by Omaha Bicycle Co. It marries reading, fitness and eco-consciousness, and offers a variation to traditional bookmobile services by delivering books, information, library cards, and so much more to the community. It’s also a Wi-Fi hot spot and is equipped with an iPad to register people for library cards, and to instruct on how to download eBooks.
“This is our environmentally-friendly way to get out and repurpose that traditional bookmobile,” Emily Getzschman said on the Morning Blend, opens a new window (video below).
Post-unveiling, each outlet spun the story in a creative fashion. Omaha World-Herald, opens a new window called the bike a library on wheels and a library with handlebars, WOWT noted it’s a modern take on the old bookmobile, and KMTV, opens a new window said it’s taking reading to the streets. All are fun and accurate descriptions.
The bike has been met with favorable reviews, and fans have spoken. Lori on Facebook, opens a new window said, “Beautiful way to combine two of my favorite things!” Ann shared, “So it’s totally rad. Or should I say read?” On Twitter Roz shared “Books + bikes = my favorite thing.”
Look for the Book Bike rolling along at a street fair, parade, festival, park, outdoor concert, or other community event near you.
Add a comment to: OPL Embraces Pedal Power