The Flying Brick Benefit: The Least Most feature

http://leastmost.com/features/the-flying-brick/

Books on Wheels events: 2010. Its been a busy year!

I haven't updated the website with our "Past Events" in a while, so in doing so I figured I would just give an over all rundown of ALL of our events for 2010. Thanks for a great year providing free books and free bicycle repair to the Richmond Community! Looking forward to a great 2011!

November

November 19th: Ephesus Jr. Academy, Richmond, VA

November 17th: Project Homeless Connect, Richmond, VA

October

October 18th: Winchester Greens, Richmond, VA

October 9th: Skipwith United Methodist Church, Richmond, VA

October 3rd: St. Andrews Harvest on the Hill, Richmond, VA

September

September 26th: America on the Move, Norfolk, VA

August

August 28th: Northside Back to School Rally, Richmond, VA

August 3rd: National Night Out, Randolph Community Center, Richmond, VA

July

July 23rd: Robinson Theater Block Party, Richmond, VA
July 9th: East End Library, Richmond, VA

June

June 1st:Highland Springs Elementary School, Richmond, VA

May
May 29th: Twin Hickory Book Drive, Henrico, VA
May 22nd: Dogtown Dance TheaterStreet Fair, Richmond, VA
May 1st: Cantebury Community Nursery School Spring Carnival Book Drive, Richmond, VA

April
April 24th: Friends of Battery Park Earth Day Festival
April 20th: George Mason Elementary School

Spring/Summer 2010 Book Donations went to these organizations:Reach Out and Read/Bon Secour, Read 4 Life, Grace Place Covenant, Providence Montessori Christian School, New Life for Youth, John Marshall High School, Highland Springs United Methodist,

January 28th: Short Pump Elementary Book Drive
January 23rd: BJ’s Wholesale Club

Support Neighborhood Bike Works in Philly!

http://www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org/give/

Check out the Richmond First Fridays Website!

http://www.firstfridaysrichmond.com/FIRST%20FRIDAY2010/SHOPS_2010/+SHOP%20SUBPAGES/+BOOKS%20BIKES.html

Nice!

http://rvaradicalendar.blogspot.com/p/organizations.html

Project Homeless Connect: Tomorrow, November 18th

Books on Wheels will be providing books for tomorrows event at the Richmond Convention Center. Check out information about this important cause below:

http://www.homewardva.org/projecthomelessconnect

Wanna Help Books on Wheels?

A few ways YOU can contribute to Books on Wheels:

1. a.Hold a BOOK DRIVE or collect books from your home and donate them to Books on Wheels. Visit our DONATE page on the website for details of our drop off locations.

b. Hold a BIKE DRIVE....(read above)

2. Donate Money. Gas and bus repairs require money to keep bring books and bicycle repair to the public!

3. DONATE to our thrift store, Books, Bikes, and Beyond. The store is located at 7 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23220 and takes gently used clothes, books, bikes, household items and such any time we are open. For more information, visit our LINKS page or call the store at 804-592-4591.

4. Host a Books on Wheels event! We would love to work with you and your non-profit, school, church, neighborhood center, etc. in bringing books and bike repair to kids and adults! email for booking: booksonwheelsva@yahoo.com

5. Shop at our thirft store! 100% of profits go to Books on Wheels! 7 w. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23220 Open Monday-Saturday 11-6 pm

6. Tell your friends and family about Books on Wheels!

Books on Wheels is a community funded non-profit organization and is very grateful for the contributions to keep us on the road!!!

Books on Wheels in Chop Suey Video

Continued...or Damn! Tires are Expensive!!

Upon taking the advice of the first person that I spoke with after having gotten the first flat tire on the bus since owning it, I decided to try to drive the bus over 10 miles to this said random dudes shop. I made it four blocks before the second tire exploded. Frustrated and exhausting by this lack of movement already, I pull over off the main street and into a cul-da-sac, luckily being able to park in front of a fenced in club area and not someones fancy house. I got out and examined the damaged, amazed at my stupidity in thinking I could drive this bus anywhere with all the weight of the books and bikes with a flat tire.

Books on Flat Wheels or Why not to travel on the weekends.

I booked a Books on Wheels event a few months ago in Norfolk with a wonderful woman who works with the YMCA in the area. The event was promoted entirely around bicycle maintanance so I knew that it would be a busy event for fixing bikes. It so happened that this event fell on the weekend of my sister and I's 10 year high school reunion in Virginia Beach, so we decide to leave Richmond on Saturday morning, drive the bus to V.B. and stay with are parents, then head to Norfolk Sunday morning. Perfect planning!!

The bus hasn't been out of Richmond in quite some time. Between opening and working at the thrift store and being plenty busy this spring and summer in Richmond alone, traveling has not been a priority or really a financially great decision. I pride myself in taking care of the bus; its like my big blue baby, but admittedly, some things had gone unattended, which may have lead to what was a really interested and expensive weekend for Books on Wheels.

Erin and I left Richmond at a decent time on Saturday morning, feeling good about getting the drive done and chillin a little with our parents before the renunion. We make good timing down to the beach, singing along to songs and screaming to talk to each other over the roar of the engine. As we get closer to the oceanfront where our parents live, I start to realize that I had given no thought what so ever to where we would park. Normally not a big deal, but this is the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on the LAST weekend of the summer season during a music festival. And the weather is awesome so its extra busy.

I drive down the street my parents live on and stop outside of their house in a legit parking space, but the spot actually makes me uncomfortable because I immediately decide that my parents neighors will get pissed at having to even SEE the bus for an afternoon and figure I should park off their street to save my parents from some embarrassment (yeah really, they are embarrassed about my old vehicles near their house year after year). Anyway, I let Erin out of the bus while I idle for a minute as she runs inside to use the bathroom. As she comes back outside, she hears a hissing sound and notices that the right rear outside tire of the bus has a big slit in it and air is leaking out. Fast. She hopes back in the bus, tells me about the problem, and we quickly move the bus off the legal street parking and around the block closer to regular traffic where I decide to park the bus in the median between a main road and a feeder road in completely illegal parking area. Genius.



We head back the few blocks to our folks house, and, tired and hungry, I immediately get on the internet and try to find a mechanic that will do two things: Sell me a tire for the bus AND bring it to me and put it on. The first number couple numbers I call as failures, but then I reach a guy who says he does do roadside assistance but his tire guy is gone for the day (everyone does half days in the tire industry on Saturdays), so although he cant send someone out to me, he suggested that after I explained my situation to him, that it was fine to drive the bus with one flat tire, to get to him, as long as I went really slowly. Come to find out, this was probably the worst advice I have recieved in a very very long time.

to be continued...

Books, Bikes, and Beyond Thrift Store Open on Broad St!

Books, Bikes, and Beyond Thrift store is now open at 7 W. Broad St. Our new hours of operation are:

Monday-Saturday 11-6 pm
Closed on Sundays

Yeah! Come check it out!!!

Worn Again Mixer!

Worn Again 2010 Designer Appreciation Mixer

Please make your way to Eco-Logic this Friday, August 6th. We will be toasting our Designers and giving the public one last look at the amazing recycled designs they created for Worn Again 2010, a benefit for Books on Wheels. If you missed the show this a great opportunity to see the garments up close and meet some of the designers. Doors will be open from 7-9. There will be music, nibbles, and fabulous re-purposed fashions on display.

Eco-Logic is located at 1606 W Main St.

Books, Bikes, and Beyond Thrift Store is Moving!!

Our new location will be 7 W. Broad St. starting in September!!

ReBike Blog

Awesome!
http://www.resourcerevival.com/rebike/blog/?p=4

ReBike Blog

Awesome!

Worn Again 2010 Video

Books on Wheels at Randolph Community Center: August 3rd

Books on Wheels will be at the Randolph Community Center on August 3rd from 6-8 pm for National Night Out. This event is free and open to the public.

Worn Again Tomorrow Night!

Books on Wheels Summer Schedule!

Books on Wheels Summer Events

July 9^th- East End Library, 3-6 pm
2414 R Street
Richmond, VA 23223-5250
(804) 646-4474

July 23^rd- Robinson Theater Block Party
5-7 pm
2903 Q Street
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 562-9133

July 24^th- Northside Reunion (Info TBA)

Worn Again coming soon!

Save the date for Worn Again!

Friday, July 2nd at Art6 (6 East Broad Street)
Doors open at 8, $5 minimum suggested donation at the door.

Since it's 2005 debut in Richmond, Team Worn Again's goal has been to promote a recycled lifestyle that is innovative, creative, accessible and always fashionable! Part of this mission includes raising money for other local grass roots non-profits and strengthening positive efforts in our community. That's why TWA is proud to donate all proceeds from Worn Again 2010 to Books on Wheels .

More details to follow!
http://wornagainevents.com/

Books on Wheels at Theater Street Fair!

Books on Wheels will be attending:
Dogtown Dance Theater Street Fair
Saturday, May 22, 2010,
3-6pm
Dogtown Dance Theater
109 W. 15th Street Richmond, VA 23224

UNBOUND CALL TO ARTISTS

A Recycled Book-art Exhibition and Auction to benefit Art6

@ Art6: Opening: Friday, July 2nd 6pm - 10pm, Closing Reception FRiday, July 30, 7 pm - 9 pm

Part of Worn Again 2010: A Cast-Off Couture Showcase


This exhibition invites artists to deconstruct used books (that would

typically be cast-off) and use the raw materials to start a new

chapter. We are looking for work that demonstrates a balance of craft,

imagination and innovation. Pieces selected for the show will

represent Team Worn Again's ongoing mission to take recycled

creativity to the next level.


* Works should be gallery ready

* Pieces will be selected by a jury:Team Worn Again and Art6 do not guarantee that your work will be presented in the show.

* All submissions will be accepted on June 26th from 11 am until 4 pm and should be delivered to Art6, 6 East Broad Street, Richmond Va.


Artists are invited to supply their own "well read" books: or

contact wornagain@gmail.com


Space for 3 Dimensional work is limited so if possible please construct your submissions so they can be hung on the wall.

Submission fee $15 per piece payable to ART6



**Please indicate if you would like to donate your piece to be auctioned off with the proceeds to be split between ART6 and BOOKS ON WHEELS:



______Yes, I would like to donate my Book to ART6 to auction off with proceeds to be split between ART6 and Books On Wheels.


______ No, But I would like to have my book for sale with a commission of 40% taken by ART6 to be split between ART6 and Books On Wheels


please contact art6gallery@gmail.com with questions or for more info.

50 Really Cool Bookstore Blogs

http://www.accreditedonlinecolleges.com/blog/2010/50-really-cool-bookstore-blogs/

Bicycle Law in Virgina

Know 'em!
http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/programs/bk-laws.asp

May is Bike Month!

Which also includes Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day!
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/

Thank You!

Thanks to Canterbury Nursery School for the donation of almost 500 kids books yesterday!

The Book Bike

Awesome project based out of Chicago!
http://shareable.net/blog/the-book-bike

Books on Wheels has worked with over 100 organizations since 2007!!!!

2010
April
April 24th: Friends of Battery Park Earth Day Festival
April 20th: George Mason Elementary School

Spring/Summer 2010 Book Donations went to these organizations: Reach Out and Read/Bon Secour, Read 4 Life, Grace Place Covenant, Providence Montessori Christian School, New Life for Youth, John Marshall High School, Highland Springs United Methodist,

January 28th: Short Pump Elementary Book Drive
January 23rd: BJ’s Wholesale Club

2009

Winter 2009/2010 Book and Bicycle Donations went to these great organizations: Born to be Great, Summer Hill Elementary, Richmond Outreach Center, Richmond Waldorf School, Capital Child Care, Central Montessori School, Early Childhood Learning Center/Head Start, Highland Park Learning Center/Youth Life Foundation,

November 7th: Richmond Zine Fest 2009, Richmond, VA
October 19th: First Baptist African Church, Richmond, VA
September 27th: Harvest on the Hill St. Andrew’s Church Community Fair, Richmond, VA
August 3rd:National Night Out at the Neighborhood Resource Center, Richmond, VA
June 31st: East End Library, Richmond, VA
June 30th: The Robinson Theater, Richmond, VA
June 2oth: CSAFE, Baltimore, MD
June 16th: Winchester Greens Community Center, Chesterfield County
June 6th: Richmond Kickers Family Festival, Richmond, VA

May:
Books on Wheels Spring/Summer Free Books were given to these fine organizations:
Aurthur Ashe Reading Room, Camp Alkulana, Southampton Elementary School, Early Childhood Development Initiative, St. Andrew’s School, Neighborhood Resource Center, Richmond Public Schools, Antioch Learning Center, Chesterfield Title I School, Bon Secour Hospital, REAL School, Youth Life Foundation

April 25th: St. Joseph’s Villa, Richmond, VA
April 24th: Bellmeade Oakgrove Elementary School, Richmond, VA
April 13th: Central Montessori School, Richmond, VA
April 7th: Slyvanie Elementary School, New Orleans, LA/ Alvar Branch Library, New Orleans, LA
April 6th: R.U.B.A.R.B., New Orleans, LA/ Isrealite Baptist Church, LA
April 5th: Annunciation Mission, New Orleans, LA/ Liousiana Books to Prisoners, LA
March 2oth: The Bridge: Charlottesville, Va
Feburary 28th: Richmond’s Really Really Free Market
January 31st: Richmond’s Really Really Free Market

2008

Holiday Book and Bicycle Donations 2008 went to these organizations:
Jackson-Feilds Homes, Catholic Charities, Refugee and Immigration Services, Richmond Friends of the Homeless,READ ALOUD VIRGINIA, Pathways, Clark Springs Elementary

November 20th: Project Homeless Connect, Richmond, Va
October 11th: Richmond Zine Fest
August 30th: Richmond’s Really Really Free Market
August 9th: Art 180 Jonny Z Festival
July 31st:Pathways, Petersburg, VA

Summer Tour 2008:
June 28th: Harrisonburg, VA Our Community Place Summer Lawn Jam
June 27th: Baltimore, MD CSAFE
June 26th: Philadelphia, PA 51st Street
June 25th: Philadelphia, PA Neighborhood Bike Works Haddington Shop
June 24th: Philadelphia, PA, 41st and Ogden

June 10th: Chimborazo Elementary School
June 7th: Martin Luther King Elementary School
May 31st: Richmond Residential Services Yard Sale
May 3rd, 2008: Sacred Heart Center Health Fair
April 26, 2008: Bizarre Market @ Chop Suey Books
April 24th, 2008: Bon-Aire Pre-School
April 20th, 2008: Spring Bada-Bing
April 19th, 2008: Earth Day @ Mayo Island, Three Lakes Park
April 16th, 2008: VCU Bike-Round Up
April 12th, 2008: Twin Hickory Library Book and Bicycle Drive

Spring Tour 2008 :
March 13th, 2008: Typerwriter Museum, Austin, TX
March 12th, 2008: New Orleans Public Library Tour
March 11th, 2008: Israelite Baptist Church, New Orleans
March 10th, 2008: R.U.B.A.R.B., New Orleans www.rubarbike.org
March 8th, 2008: Sluggo’s, Pensecola, FL
March 7th, 2008: The Hive, Greensboro, NC

2007

December 2007: Bicycle Donation, Richmond Friends of the Homeless
November 15th, 2007: William Byrd Community House
November 8th, 2007: Project Homeless Connect
October 20th, 2007: Video Store, Brooklyn, NY
October 19th, 2007: PS 503, Brooklyn, NY
October 13th, 2007: Bizarre Market @ Chop Suey Books
September 29th, 2007: Fist City Fury at Toad’s Place
September 23rd: Family Peace Festival
September 7th, 2007: Carver Elementary School
August 2007: Bike! Bike! in Pittsburgh, PA

Summer Tour 2007:
July 2007: The People’s Project, Chicago, IL
July 2007: The Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor, MI
July 2007: Ann Arbor, MI
July 2007: Earn-a-Bike, Worcester, MA
July 2007: PS 501, Brooklyn, NY
July 2007: Neighborhood Bike Works
July 2007: CSAFE w/ Baltimore READS

Summer 2007 Richmond City Library Tour:
June 2007: Elwood St. Richmond Library
June 2007: East End Richmond Library
June 2007: Ginter Park Richmond Library
June 2007: Richmond Library
June 2007: Richmond Library
June 2007: Richmond Library

June 2nd, 2007: Martin Luther King Elementary
May 20th, 2007: Not With These Hands Community Day @ The Carollon
April 28th, 2007: Richmond Zine Fest, Firehouse Theater
April 21st, 2007: Earth Day, Mayo Island
April 18th, 2007: VCU Bike-Round Up
March 31st, 2007: Northside Recreation Center
March 25th, 2007: Charlottesville, VA Bike Project

Spring 2007 Tour:
March 2007: Centennial Park, Nashville, TN
March 2007: Israelite Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA
March 2007: Sluggo’s Vegetarian Parking Lot, Pensacola, FL
March 2007: Public Library, Greensboro, NC
March 2007: Deep Roots Market, Greensboro, NC

VCU Bike Round-Up 2010!

The Great Bike Round Up is at VCU Tomorrow!
Come by!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Commons Plaza
http://www.usca.vcu.edu/bike_roundup.html

Book Request

Does your non-profit, school, or organization need books and is able to pick up books in Richmond? Write to us and let us know! We have a lot of great books right now!!!

Thrift Store is Changing Hours of Operation!

New Hours!
Tuesday 11-6 pm
Wednesday 11-6 pm
Thursday 11-6 pm
Friday 11-6 pm
Saturday 11-6 pm
Sunday 12-6 pm
Closed Monday

This is great! 4262 for kids!

http://4262forkids.com/who-we-help/

U Locks of Love

Check out U Locks of Love, a Richmond organization that helps provide U-Locks to kids!
http://www.myspace.com/ulocksoflove

http://www.facebook.com/pages/U-Locks-of-Love/293966659131?ref=ts

Thanks to the Student of Short Pump Elementary School!

Thanks to the students at Short Pump Elementary for collecting and donating over 1200 books to Books on Wheels this week!! Really awesome!

Bart Praat Does Great Work

http://www.ridekites.blogspot.com/
Check it! Bart has done a lot of artwork for Books on Wheels over the years. Thanks Bart! You are a great guy!

Thanks again Ellwood Thompsons and Miles!

http://ellwoodthompsons.com/

Books on Wheels at BJ's!

Books on Wheels will be distributing books and taking book donations on Saturday, January 23rd, from 1-3 p.m. at BJ’s Wholesale Club located at 1320 Starling Dr. Richmond, VA 23229. Also, BJ’s will be offering 1 day shopping passes for non-members.

Now accepting donations through Pay Pal!

We are now accepting dontions through Pay Pal as well as Network for Good. Your pick of two safe ways to support Books on Wheels!

Books on Drugs

I was working at the Thrift Store a couple weeks ago and a police officer came in after seeing the book box that is outside of the store. He asked me if I used to have another Book Box downtown on Broad St. I hesitantly said yes, not sure why he would want to know if I had more than one box, other than to comment that I put them on the street without permission. He asked me if I noticed that it was gone from the street corner, and I said yes, it had been gone for months. He then told me that he had it because he busted people hiding drugs in the box and removed it to keep that from reoccurring. Oops.