Some books stay on the shelf. This one hops on a bicycle and takes the neighborhood along for the ride.

San Marcos Library is giving local kids a chance to discover that story—and take a copy home.

The library's Books on Bikes Afterschool Storytime is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, from 4 to 5 p.m. Children ages 5 through 11 can hear the picture book, make a collage and, while supplies last, receive their own copy.

A Story That Goes Places

Books on Bikes isn't just a catchy title. The picture book follows Lía, a young reader who loves books and notices that not everyone in her neighborhood can easily get them.

So she puts her bicycle to work.

Written by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell, with illustrations by Brizida Magro, the story celebrates sharing books and making reading more accessible. It's a fitting pick for an afternoon devoted to getting young readers together.

The book is the 2026 children's selection for One Book, One San Diego, a regional reading initiative that invites people to connect through a shared title.

More Than Sitting Still

This isn't a storytime where kids are expected to listen and then head straight for the exit.

San Marcos Library's program includes a collage art project. That means children can move from hearing a story to making something of their own—a nice change of pace for an afterschool hour.

And there's a bonus parents will appreciate: participating children can receive a copy of Books on Bikes to keep. The library makes one important qualification, though: copies are available only while supplies last.

That giveaway is part of the appeal, but families shouldn't count on a book being available for every attendee.

A Countywide Reading Connection

One Book, One San Diego is celebrating its 20th year in 2026. The program began in 2007 and brings together KPBS with more than 80 libraries, educational institutions and community organizations.

This year's children's selection is also available in Spanish as Libros libres, sobre ruedas. The larger program features separate reading selections for teenagers and adults, making the idea of a shared book bigger than any single age group.

For San Marcos families, the local event turns that regional project into something wonderfully simple: one hour, one story and a chance to create.

Where to Go

The storytime takes place in the Kids & Family Room at San Marcos Library, 2 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069.

The event is listed for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 4 to 5 p.m. The library's official calendar does not specify a registration requirement or admission charge on the event listing, so families with questions can check with the branch before attending.

The library's telephone number is 760-891-3000.

One hour won't solve every challenge of getting books into children's hands. But it's a pretty good way to show what a little sharing can do.

Questions You May Have About Books on Bikes Storytime

When is Books on Bikes storytime?

Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Where is the event?

San Marcos Library, 2 Civic Center Drive, in the Kids & Family Room.

What ages is it for?

Children ages 5 through 11.

Will children get a free book?

Attendees may receive a copy to keep, while supplies last.