Reading, MA — The Reading Public Library is now mobile! After a full year of waiting, the library received the much anticipated, custom-built book bike crafted by Haley Tricycles in Philadelphia, PA. Designed with a cargo trike frame that opens up and turns inside out, the bike serves as a mobile library outpost and it is ready to greet residents around town. This project was generously funded by the Reading Public Library Foundation.
The RPL Book Bike, or RPL On Wheels, is an electric-assist trike with multiple levels of shelving and can be filled with up to 260 pounds of books, resources, and other library materials. People can sign up for a Reading Public Library card, browse, borrow and return books, learn about RPL programs and resources, and much more.
Why a book bike? Book bikes have the unique ability to bring library services outside of the building, meeting people where they are in an eye-catching, earth-friendly way. RPL On Wheels may pop up in neighborhoods, attend a community event, or connect with new people who may not use or can’t get to the library. Ultimately, the RPL Book Bike will help library staff grow connections in the community in a new and exciting way. RPL On Wheels is available for travel from approximately April to October, weather permitting.
More information is available on the Library’s website including how the public can suggest a stop or visit for the book bike. Make sure to visit the Book Bike at Reading’s upcoming Downtown Trick or Treat on October 26 from 4:00-5:30pm.
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The Reading Public Library is committed to evolving together to strengthen communication, equity, collaboration, and learning in our community. Our mission is to be a center and resource for learning and civic engagement. We provide a place and platform of, by, and for the people who can benefit as individuals as well as contribute to the well-being of the community. We work to achieve these goals and commitments by focusing on education, equity, accountability, and access.
