Mark Your Calendar: Annual Bike The Branches Library-Hopping Event Is Saturday, May 9

Start thinking spring and all the nice, warm-weather bike rides ahead of you, then sign up for the 3rd annual Bike the Branches (use this discount code: NYCCO2015), a one-day bike ride that lets you discover parts of Brooklyn you may not have seen before while supporting the Brooklyn Public Library.

The ride takes place on Saturday, May 9, with routes that feature Brooklyn history, breweries, live music, storytimes, and more between 10am-5pm, then end the day at the Central Library’s Finish Line Celebration from 5-7pm, where they’ll have food vendors, live music, awards, and activities for participants of all ages.

You can set your own pace and follow one of the suggested routes, or create one yourself and explore the network of 60 neighborhood libraries. And it’s not just for cyclists — walkers and runners are welcome, too.

Our local library branches have special events going on, as well:

• Clinton Hill Library (380 Washington Avenue) — the annual Spring Plant Sale, kid-friendly musicians, and an arts-and-crafts table where kids of all ages can decorate planters and make pine-cone bird feeders, among other things.
• Walt Whitman Library (93 St. Edwards Street) — TBD, but there will be family-friendly activities, including possible scavenger hunts.
• Bedford Library (496 Franklin Avenue) — TBD, including arts and crafts programs

Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and children under 17, $40 for a family of up to 2 adults and 3 children, and $150 for a team of up to 10 people (discount code: NYCCO2015). Ask your family and friends to sponsor your ride by taking the Bike the Branches Fundraising Challenge and win a limited edition BPL tote bag for raising $250 or more. All proceeds will benefit the Brooklyn Public Library.

For more information, contact bikethebranches@brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Reporting contributed by Heather Chin.