Innovative Collaboration Builds on Library’s Leadership in the Sharing Economy; Proceeds Fund Library Programs
Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) and Zipcar, the world’s leading car-sharing network, are expanding their partnership with the addition of two new cars at Kings Bay Library
In total, 21 Zipcars are now available for reservation across ten BPL branches. The funds BPL generates from leasing its parking spaces to Zipcar help support local library programs and classes.
“Libraries have always been about sharing resources,” said Lisa Rosenblum, Chief Librarian. “You don’t need to buy every book because we loan them to you. Zipcar is a natural partner for us since they too are about sharing a resource. You don’t need to own your own car. Just borrow one from the library.”
Since the partnership began in 2014, it has helped to fund:
- story times and music programs for toddlers;
- art and science classes for children; and
- author talks, financial literacy workshops, poetry festivals, performances, and writing seminars for adults, and many additional programs.
The funds Zipcar pays for parking has also helped with the purchase of library equipment and furniture including book trucks, shelving, audio equipment, and computer accessories.
The Zipcar parking locations—previously unavailable for public use—are part of an ongoing partnership between the library system and Zipcar. BPL members who sign up for Zipcar at zipcar.com/nycbpl receive $30 in driving credit.
“The Zipcar program at BPL is unique in that it’s the first car-sharing program of its kind. No other public library of the size or magnitude of BPL offers a similar service, showcasing the library’s commitment to helping their communities with a range of resources,” said Chris Moulding, regional community marketing manager, Zipcar.
In keeping with the Zipcar tradition of naming cars, BPL’s two new vehicles are named “Joan Rivers” and “Lou Reed.” Both were born in Brooklyn.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: http://www.bklynlibrary.org/.
About Zipcar
Zipcar is the world’s leading car-sharing network, driven by a mission to enable simple and responsible urban living. With its wide variety of self-service vehicles available by the hour or day, Zipcar operates in urban areas and university campuses in over 500 cities and towns across Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Iceland, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. Zipcar offers the most comprehensive, most convenient and most flexible car-sharing options available. Zipcar is a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAR), a leading global provider of mobility solutions. More information is available at www.zipcar.com.