Have you ever noticed art in bike lanes near the library? You may have seen former winning designs from the Bikes to Books design contest. After a few years away, we’re so thrilled to bring back this partnership with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)!
Join us in celebrating bikes, reading and community during National Bike Month this May and enter art into the Bikes to Books contest. Anyone who lives in Multnomah County can participate — and new this year, we’ve added a category for adults.
“Multnomah County Library is excited to continue partnering with the Portland Bureau of Transportation for Bike to Books,” said Director of Libraries Annie Lewis. “We encourage our community to bike to a library, enter the art contest and explore our updated spaces. Check out the services we offer, including bike parking at Holgate Library, a public tool station at Midland Library where you can repair your bikes and much more.”
Bike to Books was started in 2017 by PBOT and the library to encourage kids to bike more and read books. Now the popular bike lane art contest is open to all ages! So join us by riding a bike to a library, grabbing a design sheet, and entering our design contest. Art is judged on originality, creativity and whimsy.
There are four categories:
- Pre-K to grade 2
- Grade 3 to 6
- Grade 7 to 12
- Adult
The first place winners in each category will have their art installed in a bike lane on a city street. The goal is to place the winning designs on streets near the winners’ local libraries, if possible. There will also be prizes for second and third place winners — keep your eye on PBOT’s website to learn more when those are announced!
“I am excited to see this partnership between Multnomah County Library and PBOT return," said Deputy City Administrator of Public Works Priya Dhanapal. "Through this fun and creative initiative, we are able to connect with students from around the Portland area — encouraging the community to get creative, read, and ride bikes while celebrating May as Bike Month.”
Former winning artwork has included unicorns, Damien Lillard, a reading octopus, donuts, the trout pictured above and many more. You can see older Bikes to Books winners on PBOT’s Flickr page. If you’re taking bike rides around town, keep your eyes out and try to find these older pieces of art!
If you’d like to enter the contest, get the form online from PBOT’s website or pick up a form from any open Multnomah County library near you. Fill out the form and bring it back to a library — or email photos of both sides to biketobooks@portlandoregon.gov.
The contest begins on May 1 and you need to send in your design no later than June 1, 2025. PBOT will notify winners in August. We can’t wait to share the winning designs after!
There are also many other ways to to celebrate National Bike Month this May:
- Stop by one of our special bike-themed storytimes in May — kids will get a free bike light while supplies last!
- Bike to a library near you and get a free bike light while supplies last
- Attend one of our bike maintenance workshops at the library
- Watch PBOT’s video on how Bike to Books art is installed
- Enjoy a tour of older Bike to Books art as a walk or bike ride
Our county loves bikes, and it loves books. We’re excited to celebrate both with you this May!
Bike to Books: That's how we roll!, for all ages
In celebration of Bike to Books and Bike Month (May), here are some titles for bike enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy.
