We are gearing up for the RAGBRAI riders to visit Centerville and stop by the Drake Public Library! From sprucing up the building to displaying books about Centerville’s history and bicycle riding. We will be offering access to our computer labs and WIFI as well as welcoming visitors to cool off inside. We want Drake Public Library to be a welcoming place for our RAGBRAI guests.
As we were pulling out books for display, I came across “RAGBRAI: Everyone Pronounces it Wrong” by John Karras (Co-Founder of RAGBRAI) and Ann Karras (long time documentarian of RAGBRAI). What a fun title! This book, published in 1999, is pure entertainment. It deals with the first 25 years of the famous ride, describes its creation, and tries to explain the ride’s continuing charm and appeal. RAGBRAI has grown by leaps and bounds since this book was released but it really does give you a feel for how very special this event is to now, generations of people. “It is, in short, a love affair between bicycle riders and the people of Iowa.” This book captures the essence of all that.
Welcome to Drake Public Library, RAGBRAI 2016
JeNel Allen Barth
