By Katie Auman
Library Book Bike Earns Community Impact Award
Poudre Libraries is the winner of the 2022 Book Bike Community Impact Award from the Association of Bookmobiles & Outreach Services (ABOS). This annual award is presented to a library, department, or an individual who has provided exemplary library book bike service to their community.
The REO Read Wagon − an electric bike and trailer − made its public debut, appropriately, at the City of Fort Collins’ Open Streets event in June 2018. Since then, it has traveled throughout Fort Collins to provide library resources, programs, and entertainment to the community.
In just the first six months of 2022, library staff had already biked over 70 miles, told more than 100 stories, and sung 136 songs as they delivered storytimes and other programs. The book bike provides an important connection between the libraries and the community.
The book bike is an excellent tool for promoting collaboration among the library, local organizations and the community. For years, the Library has collaborated with City of Fort Collins Natural Areas to offer programs in nature and promote biking/hiking. Programs like “Toddler Tracks” and “Out and About” have
become a favorite among customers and staff alike. Other book bike programs intentionally target under-resourced neighborhoods to provide summer enrichment and creative activities. Thanks to the Poudre River Library Trust and generous donors, we now reach the community in unique locations.
This eco-friendly carrier not only reflects our community’s bike-friendly culture but enables us to foster new paths for civic engagement. If you see our book bike-riding library staff around town, be sure to to say “Hello!”
