By Colleen O'Neil- coneil@postindependent.com
The Glenwood Springs Branch Library has its very own book bike.
In a partnership with Pedal Positive, a small, Denver-based bicycle builder, the library has its first mobile lending station. The “book bike,” as it’s called, is a way to “bring books to the people,” said Sue Schnitzer, library branch manager.
Schnitzer on Thursday practiced riding the book bike — a specially designed, electrically powered bicycle with a hitch attached to a trailer that opens up to reveal book shelves. The motor is essential, says Schnitzer, because a full load can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Once Schnitzer masters the basics of riding the bike, she plans to ride from Glenwood to Carbondale to show off the new rig at September’s First Friday event.
Libraries across the country have already adopted the book bike model of community outreach. There are bikes in Cleveland, Seattle, San Francisco, Denver and many other cities across the nation.
This article originally appeared in the Post Independent on August 20, 2015.