The Free Library of Philadelphia launched an innovative program, the Book Bike program, in 2016 that brings reading to local communities, writes Gabe Donahue for Billy Penn at WHYY.
Tyler Gittelman, an employee at the Free Library in South Philadelphia, can be seen traveling to community events around the city with a selection of books that community members can check out on the spot.
Free books are also often given out, and community members can even sign up for a library card, and learn about resources the library system has available.
“I wanted to make the library a little more approachable and get out of the institution of the building of the library and do outreach in a fun and eye-catching way, that wouldn’t be as intimidating to folks who maybe have feelings about the library in one way or another,” said Library Supervisor and Book Bike co-creator Kate Eckert.
Gittelman has been the bike’s operator since the spring and can transport roughly 100 books in the front compartment. He curates the books based on the event he is bringing the bike to and the time of year.
For him, it’s the most fun job he’s ever had, and Eckert hopes the program will continue to bring joy to others.
Read more about the Book Bike program in Billy Penn at WHYY.
______
