Waynesboro: Outreach Book Bike expands library services in the River City

Waynesboro Public Library announces the roll out of the new Outreach Book Bike, a mobile library initiative designed to extend library services beyond the building and into the heart of the community.

The Book Bike will further the library’s mission of connecting people with information, resources, entertainment and each other outside of
library walls through a variety of event visits and programs. The Book Bike is set up to do library card sign up, carry a collection of books for check out, and offer information about other library programs.

Where you can catch the Book Bike:
Hiker Fest in downtown Waynesboro on Sat., June 7
Juneteenth Celebration at Ridgeview Park on Saturday, June 14
Story Time at Ridgeview Park on Friday, June 27
Unity in the Park: Community Cookout at North Park on July 19

The idea of the Book Bike started at the Association for Bookmobile and Outreach Conference last October when Waynesboro Public Library Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Rachel McDowell discovered Icicle Tricycles. The company specializes in creating commercial cargo bikes. They have created customized tricycles for all kinds of businesses, including their Library Book Bikes. The bikes come complete with interior bookshelf, brochure holder, chalkboard and front fold-down table for computer use. The bike itself has seven speeds and a powerful e-assist to help staff tackle Waynesboro’s hills. Local graphic design company, Mountain Laurel Studios, shaped the colorful and fun design of the vinyl wrap to make sure it was eye catching and the library’s name/logo were prominently featured.

Waynesboro’s Book Bike aims to make library services more visible, approachable and fun while removing barriers to access.