With this being National Bike Month, Oakland libraries are offering several free “Bike to Books” activities.
n”‚Fix and Decorate Your Bicycle: A bike-themed craft program. 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 13 and May 20, 81st Avenue Branch Library, 1021 81st Ave.
n”‚Bicycle Career Day: A chance to meet messengers, merchants, repair people, advocates, frame builders, manufacturers and others with careers tied to bicycling. 1 p.m. Saturday, 81st Avenue Branch Library, 1021 81st Ave.
n”‚Urban Cycling 101: Class for teens and adults to learn basic rules of the road and how to equip a bicycle, fit a helmet, take a bike on public transit and avoid crashes by riding predictably, visibly and communicating with others on the road. Bicycles not required. 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Golden Gate Branch Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave.
n”‚Kamishibai Stories: Librarian Erica Siskind travels on her bicycle to deliver stories. Kamishibai (paper theater) is a storytelling form popular in Japan in the 1920s-’50s. 10:30 a.m. May 18, Temescal Branch Library, 5205 Telegraph Ave.
n”‚Scraper Bike Decorating: Learn how to “scraper” a bike. Duct tape in many colors will be provided; just bring a bicycle. 3 p.m. May 18, Brookfield Branch Library, 9255 Edes Ave.
n”‚Biking the East Bay Regional Parks: Acting Recreation Supervisor James Wilson of the East Bay Regional Park District will talk about accessing East Bay trails. 6:30 p.m. May 19, Main Library, Bradley Walters Community Room, 125 14th St.
n”‚Bike Route Show and Tell Workshop: Cyclists from the Oakland Yellow Jackets, Pedal Inn Bike Tours, Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay, San Francisco Randonneurs and other groups will talk about their biking adventures. Those attending will be encouraged to share stories of their own routes. 6 p.m. May 25, Main Library, Bradley Walters Community Room, 125 14th St.
The Oakland Public Library also is working with local bike organizations to get free bikes to people who need them. The deadline to sign up for a free bike is May 21.
For more information about the free bike program, contact Celia Jackson at 510-238-7352. For details about bike month, contact Mana Tominaga at mtominaga@oaklandlibrary.org or 510- 238-6611.
