Ocls-blog logo

Book Bikes Roll Out Library Access Directly to Seniors

When the Orange County Library System (OCLS) Book Bike makes its monthly visit to Hyde Park Village, a 55+ community in Winter Garden, Florida, we know that for many of the residents, it’s a penciled-in occasion.

As Branch Outreach Specialist Ethan W. rolls in to set up, you see eager residents waiting in the wings of the clubhouse, arms piled high with books ready to be returned and exchanged for a fresh stack. The enthusiasm around OCLS’s new mobile service vehicle is that it brings books and other services directly into the community. Book Bikes help us reach people who can’t physically travel to the library, which, for Hyde Park’s senior residents, is the service’s main convenience.

The community’s HOA members, in tandem with Outreach Specialists from OCLS, are bringing library resources straight to their door. From returning and checking out materials like books and DVDs to learning and signing up for upcoming classes to keep sharp in areas like computer software and language classes, residents can thrive. When we meet people where they’re at, barriers fall and opportunity shines through. Take a look: