Mission: Get more people on bicycles.
Vision: Empower people to make bicycling a primary form of transportation in our community.
Values:
We are committed to providing affordable
and reliable transportation by tirelessly
breaking down barriers, ensuring universal
access to bicycles, creating spaces where
people feel safe, and promoting healthy
lifestyles for all, regardless of
individual race, religion, background, or
physical ability.
We acknowledge that bicycles are more
than transportation; they are tools for
social connection, and we view our shop
as a hub for community building. By
embracing diversity, we strive to create
a welcoming environment for everyone in
our community.
We are committed to reducing our carbon
footprint by passionately promoting
cycling as a green alternative to
motorized transport and actively seeking
and making changes to our shop that
contribute to a carbon neutral
future.
Energy Efficient Building Upgrades
Recycling Rubber & Metal
Every year we
recycle thousands of pounds
of steel, aluminum, and
rubber. Diverting this
amount of material away from
the landfill would not be
possible without the hard
work of Bike Library
volunteers. Each Wednesday,
volunteers salvage parts
from bicycles that aren't
suitable for fixing or
selling. We take donations
of all kinds and with that
comes bikes and components
that simply need to get
recycled.
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We are committed to not only providing
knowledge and skills for bicycle repair,
but also fostering individuals’
awareness of bicycle safety, promoting
mental and physical well-being, and
empowerment through the bicycle as a
tool for advocacy, liberation, and
freedom.
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Iowa City Bike Library
The 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 minus a $50 sustainability
fee that keeps our doors open.
Alternately, patrons can choose
to keep their bikes and forfeit
their deposit.
See our FAQs below for more information. |
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
1222 South Gilbert Court just South of
Kirkwood Ave.
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 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. Tuesdays 6 - 8 is Rent-a-Bench for women/trans/femme. Wednesday and Fridays 12 - 5 use Rent-a-Bench for small repairs/maintenance. Saturdays from 10 - 3 are for any projects and you can use the tool for up to 5 hours!
We offer rent-a-bench 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. Tuesdays 6 - 8 is Rent-a-Bench for women/trans/femme. Wednesday and Fridays 12 - 5 use Rent-a-Bench for small repairs/maintenance. Saturdays from 10 - 3 are for any projects and you can use the tool for up to 5 hours!
Do you have kids' bikes?
Yes, kids' bikes are available for
purchase and prices can range from $10 -
$50. Kids' bike are not available under
our bike checkout program; in other words,
you cannot return kids' bikes.