Bikes Create Community
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Greetings, Friends!
In 2018 we launched two new youth bike programs: Women Empowerment Ride (WE Ride) & Bike Club. You can help support the work we are doing to provide bike education and opportunities to youth of all ages by making a donation. If we are fortunate enough to make it onto your giving list this season, your generosity is gratefully received. WE Ride: 9- to 14-year-old girls & Bike Club: K-3rd graders are programs created in collaboration with Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County. Donations at the $150 level and higher will receive a limited-edition 13x19 "Bikes Create Community" print made by local artist Alexandra Janezic. Your donation will go to helping us expand WE Ride, Bike Club and Bike Library operations. |
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. |
Fall/Winter 18 Bicycle Repair and Maintenance Clinics Sign-up, click here!
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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HoursSaturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Checkouts & Rent-a-Bench. Returns & donations accepted. As-is sales. Basement space open. Sunday: 1st & 3rd of the month: 1 PM - 4 PM Volunteer work time. Monday: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Volunteer work time. Checkouts & as-is sales available. Returns & donations accepted. Tuesday: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Womxn-Trans*-Femme Night: Now every Tuedsay night. Wednesday: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Volunteer work time. Checkouts & as-is sales available. Returns & donations accepted. Thursday: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Volunteer work time. Checkouts & as-is sales available. Returns & donations accepted. Friday: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Checkouts & Rent-a-Bench. Returns & donations accepted. As-is sales. |
Contact700 S Dubuque St
Iowa City, IA 52240 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2870 Iowa City, IA 52244-2870 info@bikelibrary.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
How 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.
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.
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.
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. Please, do not leave items outside of the shop.
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.
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.