New ‘Bike to Books’ initiative brings bike-themed storytimes to Portland libraries

Bike books on display at the North Portland Library.
(Photo: Josh Berezin)

If we want the next generation to grow up with a fresh perspective on how we get around, then storytime is a powerful place to start. As a bike geek and dad of three I’m always on the lookout for fun children’s books that show cycling in a positive and fun light, so I was thrilled to hear about the City of Portland’s new “Bike to Books” initiative.

It’s a super-smart way to encourage more neighborhood biking and reading among kids.

Bike to Books is part of PDX Bike Month. Also in on the deal is Multnomah Country Library and Metro.

Here’s what they’ve put together: Everyone who bikes to the library will get a free bike light courtesy of Metro; PBOT’s marketing team will give out free bike maps and share family biking info; and the libraries will offer 18 bike-themed storytime sessions at branches throughout the city.

The program kicked off this morning at the Holgate Library in southeast Portland with photo-ops and even storytimes with special guests like Commissioner Steve Novick, PBOT Director Leah Treat, Metro Councilor Bob Stacey, Multnomah County Commissioner Judy Shiprack, and County Library Director Vailey Oehlkeand. A statement released by PBOT after the event said, “Books and bikes are two pillars of Portland culture.”

Besides riding to school with kids, riding to our local library is the most common family ride we do in the Maus family. Map out the route to your local branch and give it a try! If you need some recommendations for good bike books, check out a list we shared a few years ago (our family favorites are Duck on a Bike, Supergrandpa, and Bear on a Bike).

— Jonathan Maus, (503) 706-8804 – jonathan@bikeportland.org

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