(Photo: Denver Public Library)



(Photo: Denver Public Library)

Book bikes are a recent and clever innovation in library outreach. They're bicycles or tricycles that have been modified to carry and display books and other library materials. Pictured above is one operated by the Denver Public Library. It carries popular books and is a wi-fi hotspot. A librarian rides it wherever people congregate and sets up shop. Thanks to the wi-fi connection, patrons can also get research assistance and download ebooks.

(Photo: Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library)

(Photo: Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library)

Here's a book bike run by the public library of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Library volunteers ride it to playgrounds and parks and give away (not loan out, but give away) books to kids.

Would you like for your local public library to get a book bike?

-via American Libraries