By Lindsay Seagraves/News Editor
The Gadsden Public Library hopes to grab readers attention off the shelf this summer, as it makes plans to purchase a book bike.
The book bike, they hope, will create a buzz throughout downtown Gadsden as it gives new books to kids who are home alone during the summer.
According to the non-profit organization Reading Is Fundamental, parents consistently cite summer as the most difficult time to ensure their children have productive things to do.
The Gadsden Public Library believes summer reading is vital to the academic success of kids, and is always finding exciting ways to make reading fun.
As well as giving kids something to do during the summer, the library hopes the book bike will aid in giving homebound adults a chance to read.
Gadsden Public Library Director Amanda Jackson said that she first discovered the book bike in an article she read in American Libraries magazine.
“The concept was fascinating,” she said.
The article highlighted a book bike in Ohio, and Jackson said she had visions of one riding through downtown Gadsden.
The cost for the book bike is about $2,000 and will be made to order in Philadelphia. The library is asking 20 Amazing Friends to donate $100 each to help fund the bike.
Jackson says C. King Benefit Auctions President Christie King and Gadsden Chamber President Heather New helped her come up with the idea to start a grass roots drive to raise the money.
Jackson says she has big plans for book bike, such as Instagram contests and homebound visits.