Community Collaborations: Rochester Public Library BookBike

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$7,350
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
December 2014
End Date
June 2015
Activity Type
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Counties Affected
Olmsted
Olmsted
Project Overview

Rochester Public Library’s BookBike program provides outreach via a bicycle and custom-made display trailer to locations within a one mile radius of the downtown library. The flexibility of the BookBike allows the library to reach customers at a variety of programs and community events offered in the heart of the city. On the BookBike, staff carried materials for circulation, programming and other library information; and distributed library cards. The focus of the BookBike Program is to: collaborate with area organizations and participate in local events; at nearby gathering spaces; increase awareness of library programs and services; build relationships between RPL staff and neighbors; reduce transportation barriers; reach first time or inactive library users; promote bicycles as a transportation option; bring access to materials where people gather; and distribute free books to children.

Project Details

3880 participated

Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$7,350
Other Funds Leveraged
$813
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Increase awareness of library programs and services Measurement: Number of visitors to the Book Bike Outcome 2: Increase access to library materials and services Measurement: Number of items checked out from the Book Bike Measurement: Number of library cards applications by first time or inactive library users Measurement: Number of reference questions answered by Book Bike staff Outcome 3: 80% of visitors rate their experience at the Book Bike as good to outstanding Measurement: Email surveys Measurement: On-site surveys. Outcome 4: Build neighborhood relationships Measurement: Number of contacts Outcome 5: Promote bicycling as a means of transportation in Rochester Measurement: Attendance at bike trainings at RPL Measurement: Number of bike trail maps distributed from the Book Bike

Measurable Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Increase awareness of library programs and services Measurement: Total number of visitors to the BookBike and BookBike programs: 3,821 Outcome 2: Increase access to library materials and services Measurement: Number of items checked out from the BookBike: 333 Measurement: Number of library cards applications by first time or inactive library users: 35 Measurement: Number of reference questions answered by BookBike staff: 735 Outcome 5: Promote bicycling as a means of transportation in Rochester Measurement: Attendance at bike trainings at RPL by staff: 59 Measurement: Number of bike trail maps distributed from the BookBike: 107 “The staff were fun, engaging and helpful. A great experience!” “My son had learned about the BookBike at school and was excited to see it in person. He and a friend enjoyed the experience, and it got them to read an extra book this summer. Thanks!” “The two women were delightful and helpful! I enjoyed the visit and will look forward to seeing the BookBike out and about again!” “Loved it! It made it super simple to get a couple of great books to read with my child.” “I asked about science fiction and your staff had a recommendation that was on the book bike. It was a good read. It was an unexpected encounter. It is another way to be reminded that the library exists. I don't know how effective you will find it to be versus the time it takes. It's an interesting idea.” “The kids were very excited to get to check out books at the Farmer's Market. They started reading right away when they got home!” “Great to have it come to me. Exactly the books I wanted” “Book ladies were great. we checked out books and they gave me tips on the Rochester bike paths. very cool.” “My kids love the library and picking out their own books. Fun to see the library outside while playing. Staff was super friendly. Who doesn't love bubbles and sidewalk chalk?!?” “The customers standing near me had arrived specifically in order to watch the BookBike set up.” “Kids thought it was awesome to be able to get books and go to the park at the same time. Now they want to always go to the park with the BookBike!” “I think it's a great idea to get out and about in the community. We visit the library often but I know there are many people who don't. This way the library comes to them :)” “Very cool! Thanks for spreading the love of books and reading in more places in our community. We love RPL!”

Source of Additional Funds

Olmsted County Public Health/We Bike Rochester, Rochester Area Family YMCA, Rochester Boys & Girls Club, Rochester Downtown Alliance, Rochester Public Library, SELCO

Project Manager
First Name
Ann
Last Name
Hutton
Organization Name
Southeastern Libraries Cooperating
Street Address
2600 19th Street NW
City
Rochester
State
MN
Zip Code
55901-0767
Phone
507-288-5513
Email
ahutton@selco.info
Administered By
Administered by
Location

1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone
651-582-8200