Liz Phipps Soeiro, librarian at the Cambridgeport School, loves to get books into the hands of kids. But what happens over the summer when access to books decreases?
As a librarian, Liz believes strongly in libraries, but also sees the importance of owning books to put your name in, read many times over (without overdue fines!), and to place on your own bookshelf. There is power to having books of your very own and identifying yourself as a “reader.” So, she thought up a plan to get books to kids. It involves books, kids, and a bike!
Cambridge used to deliver books to children via a Book Mobile – Liz has updated this idea in our bicycle-friendly city by creating a “Book Bike.” Liz launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money towards the purchase of a bike – and it was fully funded in just three days! Liz reached out to local organizations for support and received a great response. The Agenda for Children has donated time, money, staff, as well as 1,000 books to help make this program a reality. Many CPS parents have been more than generous with their involvement and support of the Book Bike program.
The Book Bike visited the Title 1 event at the Fletcher Maynard Academy in May. Did you see Liz and the Bike there? The official roll out is June 30, will visit parks three days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), and will compliment the Department of Human Service’s Summer Food Program.
Visit the Book Bike website >>