FAQ's
Are you currently accepting donations?
Yes, and Thank you! You can drop donations off in the front or back of the building Tuesday - Thursday 10 - 5 pm and Saturdays 10 - 3. You do not need an appointment; just knock and let us know you're making a donation so that we can come out and thank you! We will bring them in and sanitize appropriately. Thanks again!
Are you checking out bikes?
We are checking out bikes by appointment only. However, our demand is high.
Step 1: Determine if you want a Checkout or an As-is bike. A Checkout Bike is a 6-month rental with the option to buy (~$100-$300). We sell As-is bikes too. Those are final sale with no trade-ins or returns. Some of our higher-end As-is bikes (over $300) are listed on the website; most of the lower-end bikes (~$20-$300) are not listed and are kept in the basement selection. You need to make an appointment to see the basement selection, the Checkout Bikes, and/or the higher-end As-is bikes. All of the As-is bikes will need to be fixed.
Step 2: Look at our inventory of Checkout Bikes. If there are none listed then we are currently out of Checkout bikes. Check back again later. Look at our inventory of higher-end As-is bikes if that is an option that interests you. If you'd like to look through the basement selection (not listed on website), you can do so during your appointment.
Step 3: Book an appointment for a test-ride and/or basement visit (30 minutes max). The sooner the better as bikes go fast. We cannot guarantee the bike you want will be here. Please keep in mind that we are we are doing our best to make sure checkout bikes continue to be available. However, we are operating on limited volunteer power.
Step 1: Determine if you want a Checkout or an As-is bike. A Checkout Bike is a 6-month rental with the option to buy (~$100-$300). We sell As-is bikes too. Those are final sale with no trade-ins or returns. Some of our higher-end As-is bikes (over $300) are listed on the website; most of the lower-end bikes (~$20-$300) are not listed and are kept in the basement selection. You need to make an appointment to see the basement selection, the Checkout Bikes, and/or the higher-end As-is bikes. All of the As-is bikes will need to be fixed.
Step 2: Look at our inventory of Checkout Bikes. If there are none listed then we are currently out of Checkout bikes. Check back again later. Look at our inventory of higher-end As-is bikes if that is an option that interests you. If you'd like to look through the basement selection (not listed on website), you can do so during your appointment.
Step 3: Book an appointment for a test-ride and/or basement visit (30 minutes max). The sooner the better as bikes go fast. We cannot guarantee the bike you want will be here. Please keep in mind that we are we are doing our best to make sure checkout bikes continue to be available. However, we are operating on limited volunteer power.
CAN I BUY AN AS-IS BIKE?
We do have As-Is bikes for sale in the front window. We post a few of them here, and regularly on Instagram and Facebook. Most of the lower-end As-is bikes are not listed on the website. You can come look at the As-is bikes in the basement, but please set up an appointment.
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Good news! You can now checkout a bicycle. However, due to health and safety concerns surrounding Covid-19, the Bike Library will be limiting all other programming and volunteer opportunities. The upstairs will be closed to customers until further notice. If you are interested in checking out a bike or looking for a bike in the basement, follow the "Make an Appointment" button above.
Ways to DonateMOney
Bikes & Bike Parts
The Bike Library accepts donations of complete bikes, partial bikes, bike parts and accessories. We prefer bikes in good or repairable condition. If you have to choose between taking your bike to the dump or bring it to us, please bring it to us! Even bikes that aren't up to our standard for fixing we will strip them down, separate the metal and rubber, and recycle everything we can. It's a free service we offer the community. Our Wednesday night crew of volunteers works hard to keep bikes out of the landfill. You can drop off your donations anytime we are open or leave bikes in the bike rack outside and we will get them ASAP. Bike Club, WERide, & WERide to SchoolFrequently Asked QuestionsHow do I checkout a bike?
Checkouts are available during the hours posted on our homepage on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not hold or guarantee a bike for checkout. We recommend that whoever plans to ride the bike is available for a test ride before checkout as sizing is key. During peak time our demand usually exceeds our supply. Where is the bike library?
The Bike Library is now located at 700 S Dubuque St, five blocks south of the ped mall and just across the creek from all of Iowa City's bike shops. What payment methods are accepted?
Cash, Check, or Credit Card How much does it cost to checkout a bike?
Our checkout bike deposit runs from $75 to $300, however the majority of our bikes are priced between $100-$200. If you return the bike within six months, you will be refunded your deposit minus a $50 sustainability fee and any damages requiring replacement parts &/or extensive repair. The sustainability fee helps the Bike Library cover the expenses of normal bicycle wear and the overhead of running our shop. During the six-month checkout period the Bike Library will assist you with adjustments and repairs, for minimal or no charge, depending on the circumstances. Ask a volunteer or email info@bikelibrary.org if you have questions. If you keep the bike beyond six months, the Bike Library keeps your deposit, which helps us keep the lights on & the wrenches spinning. How long do I get the checkout bike?
The bike is yours for up to six months from date of contract. Your receipt will have a due date listed. If you decide to keep the bike beyond six months, you forfeit your deposit. How do I return a checkout bike?
Bike returns can be made anytime volunteers are at the shop. As of January 2017, a $50 sustainability fee will be taken from your checkout to cover normal wear and tear of the bicycle and general expenses of running the shop. We ask for an address upon checkout and return of bike. A check will be mailed between 4-6 weeks. Additional charges will be deducted from your deposit if there is damage beyond normal wear and tear. Please ask a volunteer or email info@bikelibrary.org if you need clarification on this policy. What if I have repair needs on my checkout bike?
If you have repair needs within the six-month checkout period, stop by with the bicycle, and we will work together to resolve the issue. The Bike Library will cover the cost of minor repairs & adjustments. For larger repairs we do our best to keep your expense low by using second-hand parts when available and proving labor without charge. Please, be aware that you may need to leave the bike in our shop, depending on availability of volunteer mechanics and any necessary parts. How do I donate a bike or bike-related items?
You can donate bike-related items any time volunteers are at the shop. We will give you a receipt for tax purposes for your donation. Alternatively, you can leave bikes outside in the bike rack if we are not open and you need to drop off outside of our hours. How do I volunteer?
Stop by to fill out an application. Our volunteer coordinator will contact you with an orientation date. You can email info@bikelibrary.org with additional questions. Can I bring my bike for repair?
We are not a commercial bike shop and do not do repairs for-hire. We only service checkout bicycles that are still within the 6-month checkout period. (See above for more about repairs to checkout bikes.) We offer rent-a-bench (see hours on our main page) for $5 per hour in which you have full access to our tools and repair stands to do your own repairs. Some guidance is available, but we encourage you to do research beforehand on procedures that are new or unfamiliar to you. Used parts can be purchased when available, and some new parts are available to active RAB users. Do you have kids' bikes?
Yes, kids' bikes are available for purchase on Saturdays, 10am–3pm. Prices can range from $10 - $50. Kids' bike are not available under our bike checkout program; in other words, you cannot return kids' bikes. |
HOURSHOURS:
DROP OFF DONATIONS AT THESE TIMES--NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED or SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR CHECKOUT & AS-IS BIKES TUESDAY - THURSDAY 10 - 5 PM SATURDAYS 10 - 3 PM Thank you for your patronage and donations! Everything goes towards getting more people on bikes. We are currently taking donations. In the practice of social distancing, please drop off bikes/parts in the bike rack. If you have more than one bike, drop off in the back of the building. We will come out and retrieve them. Curbside Bicycle Checkout is in high demand. Subscribe to our email for updates. _______________________________________________________________ RENT - A - BENCH IS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED 
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Johnson County folks on
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Location |
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The Bike Library is located at 700 S Dubuque St, five blocks south of the ped mall and just across the creek from all of Iowa City's bike shops. |
AboutThe Bike Library started in 2004 as a volunteer-run community bike project located in Iowa City, Iowa with a mission of getting more people on bikes. We repair donated bikes and offer them to the public. Bikes are priced with a deposit and checked out for six month periods. If a bike is returned in good condition within the checkout period, the deposit will be returned to the user. Alternately, patrons can choose to keep their bikes and forfeit their deposit.
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HoursOPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY FOR THE FOLLOWING TIMES:
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED TO DROP OFF DONATIONS--DROP OFF DURING THESE TIMES: Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Contact700 S Dubuque St
Iowa City, IA 52240 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2870 Iowa City, IA 52244-2870 info@bikelibrary.org |
Bikes Create Community
Limited Ed. Prints $150 + levels
by local artist Alexandra Janezic
