Bus and Books

A recent viral story on social medial tells the story about a 12-year-old boy in Salt Lake City who asked his mailman for junk mail because he wanted more to read. The mailman posted the story on social media hoping to find some books for the boy to read. This paragraph from the Huff Post article tugged at my Mom/Librarian heart:

"Today while delivering mail to his apartment complex, I saw him reading ads, and then he asked me if I had any extra mail he could read," Lynch wrote. "He told me his wish is to have books to read. I told him the library had many, but he said they don't have a car, and couldn't afford the bus."

At the Library we have worked very hard over the years to help people access the Downtown Library. Through community surveys conducted before creating each new strategic plan (every 3-5 years) we know our community has concerns about parking downtown. We've addressed these concerns in a number of ways. One of the most proactive responses is our Library Bus program in partnership with Iowa City Transit.

The Library offers two great programs for riding Iowa City Transit buses to and from the Library.

Ride and Read: Your Iowa City Public Library Card is your ticket to ride an Iowa City Transit Bus FREE two times each week all year long. Present your Library Card at the Help Desk, Information Desk or Children’s Desk to receive your free pass. There’s a limit of two free passes each week and a Library Card must be presented to receive a pass.

Summer Library Bus: An Iowa City Public Library card is a child’s ticket to ride an Iowa City Transit bus free each summer. The Library will provide free bus rides to children through 12th grade, and any adult caregivers who are with them, on any Iowa City Transit bus route, from the day after Iowa City Schools dismiss until the weekday before school starts (This summer = Friday August 21), on weekdays between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Eligible bus riders should show their Iowa City Public Library card to the bus driver to gain free access to the bus.

In June 2015 our patrons rode an Iowa City Transit bus 1,007 times as a part of this program. In FY15 we provided 5,406 rides on a bus and last summer (June - August) 2,943 rides were provided. It's not in our Midwest nature to boast, but I have to say this is an awesome program and a testament to our community's dedication to our youth and Library. Thank you!