I Brake For Libraries
08-24-25 | 04:02 AM
#26
Wheelman
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 1,673
From: Putney, London UK
Bikes: 1982 Holdsworth Avanti (531), 1961 Holdsworth Cyclone, 1953 Holdsworth Whirlwind
During a silly moment a couple of years back I thought about making a bicycle mounted book carrier.
Basically I often ride to a nearish park and do a few circuits.
I usually stop for a short break at the half way point and it's really quite nice sitting in the summer sun watching the wildlife,
what I really needed was my current book to read.
My 82 Holdsworth Avanti is my least special bike so it got the carrying a bike lock mod - adapter plate that mounts on the bottle screws.
It seemed to me that that lock is about the same dimensions as a book and I did almost finished the book carrier.
Unfortunately my better bikes don't have bottle screws, but there are band-on alternatives ....
Basically I often ride to a nearish park and do a few circuits.
I usually stop for a short break at the half way point and it's really quite nice sitting in the summer sun watching the wildlife,
what I really needed was my current book to read.
My 82 Holdsworth Avanti is my least special bike so it got the carrying a bike lock mod - adapter plate that mounts on the bottle screws.
It seemed to me that that lock is about the same dimensions as a book and I did almost finished the book carrier.
Unfortunately my better bikes don't have bottle screws, but there are band-on alternatives ....
08-31-25 | 12:36 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 5,322
From: Central Virginia
Bikes: Numerous
My community has little free libraries all over. Today, riding in and around Free Union, I came across one with a twist, with some water and Kleenex. Wait, there’s more! Other end of the parking lot is one of the nicer bike stations I’ve ever seen.
Note stained glass window
Park work stand!
Note stained glass window
Park work stand!
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
09-24-25 | 10:07 PM
#28
Thread Starter
Matt Pendergast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 8,070
From: North Bend, Washington State
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
I saw several wet, sandy, and happy dogs on Vashon island's KVI Beach today with Balls from this Library:
09-26-25 | 01:50 PM
#29
Full Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 278
Likes: 262
From: Southern Cal
Bikes: An ever changing list of keepers, long term visitors and short term visitors
I have 3 or 4 Little Libraries within a mile of my house and I check them often.
When I find something, it helps with my cross training - my street goes from sea level to about 700 ft of elevation in about a mile, the steepest ramp is 17%. It is a challenge to ride up the grade with one hand holding books, the other on the bar. Helps me pedal circles for sure.
If I find hardbacks - slipping them in under the jersey works as well.
When I find something, it helps with my cross training - my street goes from sea level to about 700 ft of elevation in about a mile, the steepest ramp is 17%. It is a challenge to ride up the grade with one hand holding books, the other on the bar. Helps me pedal circles for sure.
If I find hardbacks - slipping them in under the jersey works as well.
10-02-25 | 02:15 PM
#30
Thread Starter
Matt Pendergast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 8,070
From: North Bend, Washington State
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
Ooh! This is a good find..
I already have a copy though.
10-02-25 | 02:56 PM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 18,842
Likes: 11,753
^ That was an excellent read, Matt.
I read this one this past summer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CDKLBD2W/
I enjoyed it a lot!
I read this one this past summer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CDKLBD2W/
I enjoyed it a lot!
10-02-25 | 09:58 PM
#32
Thread Starter
Matt Pendergast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 8,070
From: North Bend, Washington State
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
nlerner Yes! I really enjoyed that one too!
One of Erik Larsons best in my opinion. Right up there with Dead Wake.
As for today, I left "Killer Angels" in the library and chose another interesting book instead:
"The Edge of the Sea" by Rachel Carson.
Just started it tonight. I think it's gonna be really good.
One of Erik Larsons best in my opinion. Right up there with Dead Wake.
As for today, I left "Killer Angels" in the library and chose another interesting book instead:
"The Edge of the Sea" by Rachel Carson.
Just started it tonight. I think it's gonna be really good.
Last edited by northbend; 10-02-25 at 10:53 PM.
10-13-25 | 01:43 PM
#33
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,693
Likes: 6,429
Mrs. Doc and I have been hustling around Normandy for a few weeks (sadly, not on bikes) and came across these gems:
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Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Last edited by rccardr; 10-13-25 at 01:51 PM.
10-25-25 | 09:07 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,106
Likes: 4,765
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
I've been meaning to stop along my way to work and take pictures of these since I saw this thread. I finally got around to it Thursday.
I passed one more on my way home, but it was getting dark so I didn't stop for a picture.
Also, because Portland is just a bit different....
Finally, a reminder to my fellow Washington County, Oregon residents that there's a ballot measure in the current election cycle to fund local libraries.
I passed one more on my way home, but it was getting dark so I didn't stop for a picture.
Also, because Portland is just a bit different....
Finally, a reminder to my fellow Washington County, Oregon residents that there's a ballot measure in the current election cycle to fund local libraries.
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My Bikes
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10-25-25 | 09:21 PM
#35
Thread Starter
Matt Pendergast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 8,070
From: North Bend, Washington State
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
10-27-25 | 07:20 AM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 1,283
From: Hotel CA / DFW
Bikes: 80s Colnago Super/NMx, 50th Daccordi, Pinarello's, Guerciotti's, Masi NS, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 LS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
If your in Dallas you can stop at the Library Bar
https://www.librarybardallas.com/contact-and-location
https://www.librarybardallas.com/contact-and-location
02-21-26 | 03:28 PM
#42
Thread Starter
Matt Pendergast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 8,070
From: North Bend, Washington State
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
I stopped by this library yesterday, seen when descending Lake Alice road.
It had a nice selection, I came away with a book published by the Sierra Club "Wild France"
Flora and fauna you're likely to encounter while participating in Outdoor activities.
It's sorted by region. I read the section on Corsica first.
It brought back memories riding the Cap Corse last Spring and wishing I had spent more time on that Island.
There is so much more to explore there and someday I hope to return. What a beautiful place.
It had a nice selection, I came away with a book published by the Sierra Club "Wild France"
Flora and fauna you're likely to encounter while participating in Outdoor activities.
It's sorted by region. I read the section on Corsica first.
It brought back memories riding the Cap Corse last Spring and wishing I had spent more time on that Island.
There is so much more to explore there and someday I hope to return. What a beautiful place.
02-21-26 | 10:57 PM
#43
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 765
Likes: 1,022
From: Winnipeg Canada
Bikes: '84 Raleigh Vector Mixte, '83 Motobecane Super Sprint, '71 Glider (Raleigh)
Two days ago, about a 10 minute ride from here.
Crop of image above to show contents. Not the best day for doing these kind of pix- the snow doesn't help much.
-D.S.
04-20-26 | 08:35 AM
#46
Full Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 296
Likes: 585
One of the things I like while out riding alone is seeing the variety of small roadside Libraries that folks put out in front of their houses.
Stopping and taking a look, you may get an idea of what the "Librarian's" interests, personality or lifestyle are.
I'll occasionally take a book that piques my interest or curiosity.
Some turn out to be real gems.
I need to remember to pack a book donation in the handlebar bag next time I go out.
Libraries are evidence there's good people nearby.
Stopping and taking a look, you may get an idea of what the "Librarian's" interests, personality or lifestyle are.
I'll occasionally take a book that piques my interest or curiosity.
Some turn out to be real gems.
I need to remember to pack a book donation in the handlebar bag next time I go out.
Libraries are evidence there's good people nearby.
04-21-26 | 02:00 PM
#49
Dorkus Malorkus
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 135
Likes: 345
From: Oak Park, Illinois
Bikes: ‘80ish Zeus Super Ser, ‘80 Centurion Semi-Pro, ‘83 Schwinn World Tourist, ‘88 Miyata 618GT, mystery Designer Pelizzoli Microf C 40, ‘05 LeMond Buenos Aires
Finding this thread has inspired me to keep an eye out for li’l libraries. Turns out my neighborhood is absolutely lousy with ‘em. Here are a few within a few blocks. I didn’t take or leave anything, but I had a nice time browsing.
No frills
Flipped open Walden… Way to go, Nell!
No frills, but a lot of character
Nice and roomy! I pass this one a lot but hadn't noticed until stopping by today that the li’l house has been swapped (and whole thing rebuilt, apparently) sometime in the past few years…
Words to live by
No frills
Flipped open Walden… Way to go, Nell!
No frills, but a lot of character
Nice and roomy! I pass this one a lot but hadn't noticed until stopping by today that the li’l house has been swapped (and whole thing rebuilt, apparently) sometime in the past few years…
Words to live by
Last edited by cfcarr; 04-21-26 at 04:23 PM.
06-04-26 | 08:38 PM
#50
Thread Starter
Matt Pendergast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 8,070
From: North Bend, Washington State
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
I was out on a short bike tour earlier this week and found 2 over on the Kitsap Peninsula.
I stopped and browsed but didn't find interesting enough to add to my panniers.
When I opened this Library, it was stuffed with old paperbacks. I reached in and pulled one out and recoiled. It was crawling with moisture ants.
Uh... no thank you!
I stopped and browsed but didn't find interesting enough to add to my panniers.
When I opened this Library, it was stuffed with old paperbacks. I reached in and pulled one out and recoiled. It was crawling with moisture ants.
Uh... no thank you!