Knowing that I love libraries and bicycles (sort of by default as my husband is a cycling fanatic), my lovely ex-SHR-colleague Cameron was kind enough to send me this link yesterday about the Streetbooks project - a bicycle-powered library for people who live outside in Portland, Oregon. The project started with a grant from Portland’s Regional Arts & Culture Council and the two street-librarians began lending books from their customised bicycle to homeless patrons.
Initially naysayers said that patrons would never bring the books back but it's encouraging to hear that: "In fact, the opposite is true: our patrons, even though they live outside, or in shelters, have brought the books back regularly, sometimes donating a paperback or two from their own backpacks. We have committed regulars who visit the library at least once, sometimes twice a week, for books and conversation. They count on us being there, and we want to come through for them."
It's lovely to hear how a simple idea can really make a difference to people. It really cheered up my Monday so I thought I'd share it.
- Fiona
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