Literacy Gets Wheels; Dixon's First Bike Mobile
Oct 23, 2020 12:00AM ● By MPG Staff
RK Van Every will be pedaling around town on 'La Bici Rosita' distributing books. It is Dixon's first Bookmobile. Courtesy Photo
DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon’s first mobile Little Free Library, La Bici Rosita, will definitely be visible as RK Van Every rides a fluorescent pink electric bike around town to share even more books. Besides the stand-out color, the 3-wheeler also is fitted with a GPS and decked out with signs on either side of the book basket that say “La Bici Rosita LFL Bookmobile.”
As stewards of Dixon’s first LFL in three categories, first in the community, first bilingual and first bookmobile, RK and Greig Van Every clearly demonstrate their passion for reading and for increasing the opportunities for literacy in our community.
“These LFLs don’t belong only to us; they belong to everyone in the community," said Greig. "It’s our hope that they will bring a little more joy, a little more connection and a whole lot more reading enjoyment to our community. They welcome you to stop by 680 West A Street and to watch for the Bookmobile as it travels around Dixon.”
While riding to local neighborhoods, RK follows cautionary measures established during the pandemic, including running a UV wand over each book which kills germs, scheduling deliveries, wearing a mask, and social distancing.
There came a special reward for maintaining the receptacles in front of the Van Every home recently. While cleaning and restocking one, RK discovered the book ''Freckles" by Gene Stratton Porter. It was published over 100 years ago, was in perfect condition and recognized it immediately as her mother's favorite. Interestingly, it was discovered within days of the five year mark of her mother's passing.
"I hope the individual who left the book will learn what an incredible offering it turned out to be for me," she said.
If you can contribute to this endeavor by donating books, especially Spanish-English, the help is welcome. The books don’t need to be new, just clean and in good condition. Folks may order from Amazon.com and have them sent directly to: LFLs at 680 West A Street in Dixon, CA 95620.