Brooklyn Public Library’s Annual “Bike the Branches” Event is Saturday, May 17

Brooklyn Public Library’s Annual “Bike the Branches” Event is Saturday, May 17

Free Helmets and Helmet Fittings Coming Up May 8 and May 13

Interactive, Historical Maps of Bike Routes Now Available

Brooklyn, NY – On May 17th, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) will host their second annual Bike the Branches event, a one-day bike ride through BPL’s network of 60 neighborhood libraries. Building off of biking’s long history as a central Brooklyn pastime, Bike the Branches will feature twelve unique bike routes, and a range of special events featuring prizes, music, and entertainment. All proceeds from the event will go towards library services, including programming, technology, and collections.  

In the run-up to the event, Bike the Branches co-sponsor, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), will be holding two free helmet fittings. The first will take place on Thursday, May 8 from 4-6:30pm at BPL’s Kensington Branch at 4201 18th Avenue. The second will take place on Tuesday, May 13 from 4- 6:30pm at BPL’s Central Branch at 10 Grand Army Plaza. Free helmets will be available while supplies last. 

BPL has also released additional information and interactive maps of the bike routes. Points of interest on the maps indicate relevant historical landmarks; by clicking on them, participants can access background information and related images of these historical sites. Routes include: 

  • Early Brooklyn: Visit some of Brooklyn’s most historic locales, ranging from important Native American grounds to some of the first structures built by European settlers. 
  • Historic Postcards: Visit sites corresponding to some of the Brooklyn Collection’s most historic Brooklyn postcards for a glimpse into the borough’s treasured landmarks.  
  • Brooklyn Baseball: Ride past landmarks of Brooklyn baseball’s past and present, including the homes and practice fields of Dodgers and other Major League Baseball legends. 
  • The Sounds of Brooklyn: Experience homes, schools and murals related to Brooklyn’s storied musical history, as well as some of the borough’s best contemporary music halls. 
  • Bottoms Up, Brooklyn: Visit sites of the borough’s most notorious breweries and distilleries, as well as some of the latest and greatest in cocktail culture. 
  • Landmarks of Brooklyn: This tour provides a glimpse of some of the borough’s most interesting and important landmarked architecture. 
  • Literary Tour of Brooklyn: Explore the backdrop to some of the most important novels, poems, reportage, plays, and children's books in American Literature.  
  • PowerUP!: Visit some of BPL’s PowerUP! business plan competition alumni, which has helped launched many businesses throughout the borough over the last ten years.
  • Underworld Brooklyn: Return to the scene of the crime and visit some of Brooklyn’s most famous–and infamous–locations of mischief. 
  • Citi Bike℠: Are you a Citi Bike℠ member, or want to give it a try? Explore BPL branches that are close to existing Citi Bike℠ docks, and enjoy a special docking station at Central Library on the day of the event.
  • Waterfront: Cruise along Brooklyn’s waterfront and take in some of the borough’s seaside history along the way. Plus, visit branches that have been newly renovated and reopened in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
  • Where’s Waldo? ® Tour and Events: This family-focused tour will feature scavenger and treasure hunts, as well as prize giveaways across all the branches. Additionally, Waldo himself will make select appearances at different library branches along the Where’s Waldo? bike route.

There is still time to register today to Bike the Branches and support Brooklyn Public Library. Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for children 17 and under and seniors 65 and up, $40 for families (which includes up to 2 adults and 3 children), and $150 for teams of up to 10 people. In addition, this year’s participants can register as a BKLYN Trailblazer for $100. This registration class includes free participation in the event for a second guest rider, a limited edition Bike the Branches t-shirt, an exclusive BKLYN Trailblazer bib, and formal recognition for your contribution on BPL’s website and at the Finish Line Celebration.

Bike the Branches is part of BPL’s annual Support the Branches spring fundraising campaign.  All proceeds from Support the Branches and Bike the Branches help fund Brooklyn Public Library’s work to bring vital services, resources and programs to every neighborhood in Brooklyn.  With every dollar raised, collections grow, computer equipment is upgraded and more community programs are developed and made available to the borough’s diverse populations.  So sign up and support your library today. 

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About Brooklyn Public Library: Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.bklynlibrary.org.