Accessible reading: The Varna Regional Library offers books by bike
Cargo bikes are gaining momentum in European cities in a push for sustainability
BiblioBike – this is the name of the newest service offered by the regional library Pencho Slaveikov in the port of Varna in Bulgaria. The innovative approach is intended to make reading physical books more accessible and bring them closer to those readers who may have difficulty reaching the public building.
Traditional institutions do not have to lag behind in sustainability
In particular, the service is aimed at mothers with children and the elderly living in remote areas, but it can also be useful to those with physical disabilities. The service is also an example of putting sustainable public transport in the service of traditional institutions.
BiblioBike will be available seasonally, during the months from April to November, depending on weather conditions. To get their books, readers need to order digitally through the electronic catalog of the Pencho Slaveikov Library.
The books are then shipped by cargo bike according to a predetermined schedule to three “bible points” – locations throughout Varna. The points were chosen considering the bicycle infrastructure available in the so-called “beach capital” of Bulgaria. All three places are conveniently located in beautiful public areas such as parks, which are frequented by mothers with children and are also appreciated by the elderly.
The effort is part of an ongoing library sustainability effort, which began in 2008, when the digital library was introduced. Recently, readers can also get their booking confirmation by email, instead of paper.
Two years ago, the regional library also introduced another accessibility service. From 2022, it offers the possibility to borrow books outside working hours by reserving them online and retrieving them in lockers, which are available 24/7.
