Iowa City Public Library had allowed staff bicycle commuter parking in the garage since the construction of the building in 1981. Staff bicycle parking was also permitted since about 1976 inside the old Carnegie Library Building across the street from the present structure. At its peak, at least 12-14 staff members had registered their bicycles for parking in the library garage according to guidelines developed and set forth for staff indoor bicycle parking. In fair weather, between 1 and 5 bicycles would usually be in the secure garage area. In recent years, the number of different staff commuting reduced to about 6-7.
Some staff continue to ride their bicycles and park outside in City racks.
In peak season these racks are often overcapacity. It is current understanding that at least 2 ICPL staff no longer ride their bicycles to work as a direct result of this indoor bicycle parking ban. One cycling employee, and local and national bicycle activist Gregory Kovaciny, wrote to Director Craig requesting the ban not be put in place and that accommodations be made to continue allowing indoor staff bike parking. His letter and her response are posted here. It is hoped and requested that in any new or renovated or refurbished Iowa City Public Library structure or structures, sufficient secure indoor bicycle parking be made available to staff, and bicycle commuting by staff be more actively encouraged through such incentives.