Start Your Next Journey at the Library

When planning your next road trip, local excursion, or staycation, you may not always consider stopping at the library first. Prince William Public Libraries offers resources, programs, and items in our collection to help you "map out" your next journey.

The week of May 16-22 is National Transportation Week this year, and the theme for 2025 is "Driving Change, Delivering Solutions." Preceding the week of transportation-themed events, on Thursday, May 15, is "Bike to Work Day."

In recognition of that event and to foster greater awareness and use of bike paths and bicycle-friendly routes throughout Prince William County, the PWC Department of Transportation has generously donated Bike Repair Kits to Prince William Public Libraries.

These kits include tools for making simple repairs or tightening loose connections, a tire pump, and a dry patch kit for punctured or leaky tires. They are small, light, and have Velcro straps to carry them from your crossbar.

The kits can be checked out for three weeks, and patrons can use the patches and other materials for tire repair without replacing. They are also a great chance to test your skills in tuning your bike up yourself rather than paying a shop to do it for you, so you can see if buying your own tool kit in the future would be a good investment.

In an upcoming episode of "Important Library Stuff," we're joined by the PWC Department of Transportation's Senior Communications Analyst to discuss how they make travel safer and more enjoyable for residents. They focus on projects like widening roadways to alleviate congestion when needed. The PWC Department of Transportation also ensures that there are safe pedestrian facilities.

The episode will also feature a member of PWPL's Communication Outreach Services team. PWPL's Office of Community Outreach Services brings library services to the community, including senior housing, childcare centers, neighborhoods, parks, and more. The Mobile Library can often be seen driving around the area to lend materials, host programs, sign people up for library cards, and more.

Listen to the episode to learn more about PWC Department of Transportation, Community Outreach Services, and how the library can help you plan your next trip. Place a hold on the Bike Repair Kits, travel guides, and more in PWPL's Online Catalog at pwcva.gov/library.