Photo by Marika Mirren
Books on Bikes
Children’s librarian Link Ross won’t shush you at her next event—she’ll be asking for your library card amid the hustle and bustle of a public park, riding her mobile library.
“It sort of looks like an old-fashioned ice cream vehicle,” said Ross, who rode Philly’s first Book Bike at Clark Park on June 2. “The idea is to reach people at public events who might not necessarily walk into their public library.”
The Free Library of Philadelphia commissioned local company Haley Tricycles to make two Book Bikes, which have built-in shelves and unfold into a display of selections that can be lent to library members on the spot.
“The pre-existing bike culture in Philadelphia was helpful in getting this off the ground,” Ross said.
A Book Bike, along with an accompanying librarian, can be requested for public events through the Free Library, and events will be posted on their website.
Find them at your park
Food Trust Market, 52nd Street and Haverford Avenue
July 6 at 1 p.m.
Clark Park Farmers Market
July 7 at 3 p.m.
Dickinson Square Park Story Jams, 4th and Tasker streets
July 13 at 10 a.m.
Shakespeare in Columbus Square Park
July 14 at 6 p.m.
Click here for a full list of upcoming events.
