BPL Bike The Branches This Saturday

Saturday promises to be a busy day in Brooklyn, and you really should leave your car at home. After running Brooklyn half Marathon, you should hop on your bike and explore beyond Ocean Parkway.

This Saturday, May 20th, will mark the fifth year that Brooklyn Public Library will be raising funds through its “Bike The Branches Initiative”. All 60 Brooklyn library branches will be open for exploring, offering a range of programs and activities for all ages, including morning yoga, a carnival, story times, scavenger hunts, musical performances and more.

Participants can register today to Bike the Branches and support Brooklyn Public Library. Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for children and $100 each for VIP tickets.

Riders will receive a “branch passport” to stamp at each library they visit. “We are so grateful to the thousands of New Yorkers who will participate in Bike the Branches on May 20, whether they choose to support the Library by biking or by attending an event at their local branch,” said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson.

Several self-guided Bike the Branches route maps will be provided. Riders can follow the routes and maps provided for the ride or design their own routes and ride at their own pace. The self-guided tours include:

• Brooklyn Waterfront Tour: Unbeatable views abound on this 33-mile adventure. Explore Brooklyn’s waterfront as you ride past Floyd Bennett Field, Brighton Beach and Coney Island’s Surf Avenue in South Brooklyn. Zip through Red Hook, then enjoy the city skyline and beautiful surroundings in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Route details: 35 miles, 15 stops, 3-6 hours.
• Morning Yoga at the Fort Hamilton branch: Kick the day off with stress-reduction at morning yoga! Sweat, stretch and gain flexibility in a safe and fun environment. Beginners are welcome.
• Family Legos at the Saratoga branch: Imagine it, build it! Visit the Saratoga branch for an afternoon of LEGO projects.
• North Brooklyn Tour: Tour Bushwick, Greenpoint and Williamsburg and visit the restaurants, cafes and shops that have become destinations for residents and tourists alike. Route details: 19 miles, 13 stops, 2-4 hours.
• Citi Bike Tour: Are you a Citi Bike member or would you like to give it a try? Explore the BPL branches located near Citi Bike docks and take advantage of a special docking station at Central Library. All participants 16 and over are eligible to receive a free Citi Bike 24-hour access pass to use on the day of the event. Route details: 14.6 miles, 10 stops, 1.5-2 hours.
• African Jewelry Making Workshop at the Jamaica Bay branch: Learn how to create fun and unique African inspired jewelry with the creative jewelry expert with Pamela Isaac.

Bike the Branches will culminate in a block party at BPL’s Central Library from 3:00 to 7:00 pm featuring live music, a Sixpoint Brewery beer garden, a Brompton Roller Racing Challenge, Smorgasburg food vendors and more.

Participants can register today to Bike the Branches and support Brooklyn Public Library. Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for children and $100 each for VIP tickets.

The proceeds from this year’s event will go to BPL’s programs and services, including GED preparation, English as a Second Language courses, computer classes for teens, and top-tier classical and jazz concerts for every Brooklynite—as the Library continues to advocate for seven-day service.

And even if you don’t plan to “bike the branches” – come out and get involved. Almost all the library branches have friends groups that help make them better.