Tour de DCPL
Library staff discovered a great way to explore the ongoing transformations at the DC Public Library—by bike! The Tour de DCPL was born in 2010, a free community bike ride that visits a selection of our 26 library locations. Every year, to celebrate National Bike Month, a group of library staff, advocates and community members strap on their bike helmets to help the DC Public Library promote environmentally friendly transportation and explore how our libraries connect with the communities they serve.
The 2021 tour will be held on Saturday, May 22, and because of the need to practice social distancing, it will be a self-guided, alley-cat-style scavenger hunt. Starting at a yet-to-be-determined branch, participants will pick up Library swag and a special, limited-edition DC Public Library due-date card to use as their pitstop checklist for the day. They will then receive fun clues to guide them to each DC Public Library location and more swag to enhance their cycling. There will also be an entirely virtual option on Twitter or Instagram for folks to find clues, track their route and figure out where to go.
DIY Tour de DCPL
Riders who want an independent library bike adventure can make their own DIY Tour de DCPL!
1) Find past Tour de DCPL routes below or make up your own to visit your favorite locations.
2) Share the route you choose on social media by tagging your photos #DIYTourdeDCPL and #ArchiveThisMoment (to be part of documenting this unique history) @dcpl on Twitter and @dcpubliclibrary on Instagram
3) Join the Tour de DCPL Club on Strava! Want to challenge yourself? Try to visit all of DC Public Library's 26 locations!
2019 Tour de DCPL X: Route | Photos
2018 Tour de DCPL IX: Route
2017 Tour de DCPL VIII: Route
2016 Tour de DCPL VII: Route
2015 Tour de DCPL VI: Route | Photos
2014 Tour de DCPL V:Route | Photos
2013 Tour de DCPL IV: Route | Photos
2012 Tour de DCPL III: Route | Photos
2011 Tour de DCPL II: Route
2010 Tour de DCPL: Route | Photos
2018 DC History Conference Ride
"Read Your Way Up: A Bike Tour of DC Public Library Portabranches, Storefronts, and Kiosks"
The Route | Podcast about the ride on DCPL's Full Service Radio
Check out DC Public Library’s other National Bike Month resources at dclibrary.org/bike.
