The Collingwood Public Library will soon be going mobile.
Staff are being trained to drive the library’s new book bike, which was delivered this week. The bike will include mobile circulation, where books can be lent from the bike with a library card, and can be returned to the library.
Jenn Perks, supervisor of community services at the library, started in her position in 2021 and came to the job armed with ideas that could help the library reach a wider audience.
“(I was looking for) things that were green, trendy, environmentally friendly and accessible for folks who might have trouble getting here,” she said . “I had seen some really beautiful book bikes.”
After gathering information, Perks connected with British Columbia company Icicle Tricycles to procure the bike, while Friends of the Collingwood Public Library agreed to fund the project.
Perks said she’s still working on curating the collection for the bike, which will change over time, but she’s starting by stocking the bike with beach reads, best sellers and books that pair well with the parks and market, such as books on gardening.
“If we notice, for example, all the John Grishams are going out, we’ll add more John Grishams,” she said. “There’s an opportunity to see what moves. Since it’s a transient service model, I think the collection will be on the lighter side.”
The book bike will start travelling around town with stops at the Collingwood Farmers’ Market and local parks in June.
For tourists or anyone without a library card, there will also be an option to purchase some books from the bike for a donation.
Perks hopes the library can eventually stock the bike with beyond-tech items that can be lent, such as fishing poles and Wi-Fi hot spots.
“I’d also like to try to set up weekly story times on the go, whether that’s at a local park or somewhere else in the community,” she said, adding she’d like to explore options to attend local retirement homes with the bike as well.