The Center Moriches Free Public Library has taken the show on the road, and library patrons may have seen a shiny, green bicycle filled with library books and material at local beaches, along Main Street, or other outdoor locations, thanks to a generous donation made by the Center Moriches Friends of the Library.
The Center Moriches Book Bike took its maiden voyage from library headquarters on Main Street, to the chamber of commerce’s annual Spring Fair, held on Saturday, June 12, on the grounds of Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Center Moriches. Margie DeCaro, head of Children’s Services, operated the bike, and said that the reception at the fair was overwhelmingly positive.
“People were intrigued,” said DeCaro. “They had a lot of questions.”
The evolution of the Book Bike started with a Facebook post, DeCaro explained. An avid cyclist, DeCaro said she ran across a post about “librarian bikers,” and thought that it was about librarians who, like her, enjoyed cycling. After further investigation, DeCaro found that the post was actually about libraries using Book Bikes in their respective communities to help promote library services and programs. DeCaro approached library director Marcie Litjens with the idea, who then discussed it with the Friends of the Library, and the rest is history.
“The library is always looking for innovative ways to reach out to the community,” she said. “A Book Bike is fun and inviting, and an easy way to begin a conversation about how our library offers a variety of services.”
The Book Bike is manufactured by Icicle Tricycles, a company based in Portland, Ore. While every Book Bike has the same frame, different accessories are available, such as a cooler. The library staff chose the book basket with the chalkboard finish and the dark-green color for the bike itself. The books, which will be selected based on the audience and location that the Book Bike is visiting, are also donated by the Friends of the Library.
The Book Bike will be on the move this summer, with planned appearances at Kaler’s Pond, Webby’s Beach and at chamber-sponsored events, just in time for National Book Bike Week, being observed Aug. 2-6, said Litjens. The bike will be operated by DeCaro and other librarians. Litjens hopes to have a go at the wheel as well.
“I may have to convince Margie to let me have a turn,” she quipped.
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