Free B-Cycle rides now available at all NPL branches after program expansion

Nashville Public Library cardholders have access to laptops, audiobooks, movies, music and, of course, books. But now, members of the library can ride electric bicycles.

The original pilot program was expanded in July to include a total of 63 bike-share fobs which could be picked up at all 21 library branches. Library representatives said this expansion will alleviate long waitlists.

'Books & bikes for all'

The library partnered with Nashville B-Cycle to allow members to try out electric bicycles for free. Here's how it works:

• Library members can place a hold online or in person to pick up a B-Cycle fob at their preferred library branch.

• The library will send an email when the hold is ready for pickup.

• One reservation is good for one week of use.

• Take the fob to the nearest B-Cycle station and scan it to remove a bike from its dock.

• Bikes must be returned to a dock every two hours, but can be checked out for consecutive two hour increments.

• After the weeklong reservation, return the fob to any NPL location via book drop or circulation desk.

Carlos Shivers, the manager of the Richland Park Branch, said the collaboration is meant to increase the diversity of people who have access to B-Cycle. He said he most often sees tourists using the service, and he wants to encourage locals to take advantage of it, too.

"The best way to do that is through the library," Shivers said.

Community passports

Library members are eligible for other perks, including two museum collaborations.

Passes for two adults to the National Museum of African American Music are available to check out at any library branch and can be used up to a week after check-out.

To get into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for free, library cardholders can check out a two-adult pass from any library branch and present it at the museum entrance.

The library also offers a community passport to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. The pass to Cheekwood offers free admission for up to 2 adults and 2 children and is valid for regular admission to the grounds.

'Freedom to read' campaign

Limited-edition "I read banned books" library cards are still available through the Nashville Public Library's "Freedom to read" campaign, which is in direct response to recent efforts to ban books in Tennessee.

The campaign was part of a monthlong effort to get 5,000 new library card sign-ups.

“I want Nashvillians to know: Nashville Public Library will always respect your Freedom to Read — to independently determine what you read, and don’t read, and to exercise your role in determining what your children read,” NPL Director Kent Oliver said in a statement.

Reach reporter Molly Davis at mdavis2@gannett.com or on Twitter @mollym_davis.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Public Library card: Here's everything you can get with it