Virtual bike ride to benefit Lewes library June 1-30
Back by popular demand, the Lewes Public Library's annual Loopin’ for the Library bicycling event is going virtual for the month of June.
This self-paced bike ride is a great opportunity to work out, and it benefits a good cause.
Participation is simple. Between Tuesday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 30, participants ride a total of 20 miles. They can ride 20 miles all at once or break it down into smaller rides that total 20 miles. Rides can be completed outdoors or even indoors on a stationary bike. Registration fees benefit the library. A new feature this year is the option to form teams. Family, friends, neighbors or co-workers can join forces to make a team, or people can join an existing team. The team captain who recruits the most members will win a $250 gift certificate donated by Lewes Cycle Sports.
Also new this year is individual fundraising. In order to help the library meet its $20,000 goal, individuals are encouraged to invite family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers to sponsor them. The individual who raises the most money in donations will win a $250 gift certificate donated by Lewes Cycle Sports.
Registration costs are $25 for adults and $10 for teens. Kids 12 and under ride free.
Adult and teen participants will receive a commemorative pair of Loopin’ bike socks, a Lewes Public Library car magnet and one entry into the raffle for a $1,000 gift certificate donated by Lewes Cycle Sports. Kids receive their choice of a packet of bicycle spoke beads or a bell for their bike, as well as a Lewes Public Library sticker.
Special incentives are available for those looking for a bigger challenge of up to 400 miles, and additional raffle tickets may be purchased as well. Registration is open through Wednesday, June 30, and full details are available at tinyurl.com/LoopinLewes2021.
Anyone interested in buying raffle tickets for the $1,000 gift certificate can purchase them at the library and, with cash or check only, from Lewes Cycle Sports, Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Lewes Gourmet/Puzzles. Tickets are priced at 1 for $10, 3 for $25, 7 for $50, and 20 for $100.
Tickets are on sale through June 30 with the drawing Thursday, July 1.
Despite the constraints brought on by the pandemic, over the past 12 months the library provided over 104,400 books and other lending materials to library users and hosted 616 virtual programs attended by 26,565 people. Prior to 2020, an average of 800 customers walked through the library’s doors every day, or nearly 200,000 people each year, to borrow materials and participate in free programs. All of this was accomplished by a full-time staff of six and a small part-time staff. During non-pandemic times, 200 active volunteers helped by donating over 16,000 hours of service a year to keep library operations running smoothly.
As an independent library, the Lewes Public Library must raise nearly half of its operating budget every year. State and county taxes only cover 50 percent of operating costs. Fundraising events such as Loopin' support many free classes, programs and services the community enjoys. For more information, go to lewes.lib.de.us.
