Drive The Branches? You Can Now Rent A Zipcar At The Park Slope Library

You can now hop in a rented car and cruise down Prospect Park West after you borrow a book by that same name from our local library.

Since last Friday, three Brooklyn Public Library branches — Park Slope, Bedford, and Bay Ridge — have six Zipcars parked nearby (in spots they say were previously unavailable for public use) and available to rent. Not only are the cars named after “famous literary figures” according to a release, but if you’re a book-lover with a library card, you can get a discount on the car sharing company’s annual fee as well as a $25 driving credit.

Zipcar, which has previously supported the Brooklyn Public Library during events like, somewhat ironically, the Bike the Branches event, says this partnership will help the library raise funds that will support its operations.

“Borrow it when you need it, return it when you’re done — it’s a cycle of sharing that is the foundation of both Brooklyn Public Library and Zipcar,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library, in a statement. “We’re excited this partnership will provide discounted Zipcar rates for our patrons and at the same time raise needed funds for our branches.”

So, if you’ve ever considered renting one, this might be a great way to do so while helping our libraries. And in the event the library cars aren’t available, there are a few other pick-up locations nearby, so hopefully you won’t have to carry that tote bag of hardcovers too far.