Brandon Monahan’s love for books and woodworking have come together in a unique effort to bring library services to the community.
The Terry Fox Library employee recently built a book chariot out of cedar and copper that can carry books and other materials to parks and festivals in the city.
On Wednesday, when The Tri-City News spoke to Monahan, he was using the chariot to display books and library services at the PNE.
“People were definitely intrigued by it for sure,” said Monahan, who with the Fraser Valley Regional Library was participating in Public Library Day at the PNE.
The idea for a book chariot that can be pulled by a bike is not new. Monahan said other libraries have a similar contraption. But none are likely as detailed and exhibit such craftsmanship.
Monahan learned woodworking skills while attending Capilano College (now Capilano University) and likes to tinker away at home.
He built the chariot from a children’s bike trailer frame but added cedar boxes that can be used as book stands and also hold bins of books and materials. Copper detail was added to give the chariot an elegant touch.
The chariot can also be taken apart and folded up to fit in a car.
“It’s really catching people’s eyes. They stop and stare at it,” said Monahan, who plans to attend the Port Coquitlam farmers market and visit Lions Park for story time.
Part of the reason for the mobile book chariot is to remind people that the Terry Fox Library is still open and welcoming customers while the recreation centre construction is ongoing.
In two years, the library expects to move into phase one of the new facility. In the meantime, the door has been repositioned next to the statue of Terry Fox, while parking is available on side streets.
Monahan has been with the Terry Fox Library for approximately 10 years, first working as a page, and then moving into library services after getting his degree.
You can see him doing story time with children and playing his ukelele, and if you see the book chariot, you can even check out a book at the pop-up library.
