“Book bike” comes to Grant

Through a grant from the Nebraska Library Commission, Hastings Memorial Library in Grant now has a book bike, which will enable staff to bring the library’s services out into the community.

Book bikes for libraries gained popularity during the Covid pandemic, giving those who couldn’t leave their homes continued access to reading material.

HML’s book bike will allow library employees to be more visible at community events such as the Fourth of July celebration in the park, the Perkins County Fair parade and downtown open houses, and hold special events such as stories in the park.

The bike is equipped with a laptop and wifi hotspot, so patrons can check books in or out on the spot or sign up for a library card. 

“Having a traditional bookmobile isn’t really an option for us,” said Val Foster, assistant librarian. “This is a more practical and fun way to be out in the community. Based on my research, I believe the only other public library in the state with a book bike is the Omaha Public Library.”