As the originator and organiser of Biblio Turismo I advise
that it has ceased to function.
Biblio Turismo was started in 2006 as a marketing exercise
to help publicise public libraries to their local area.
Over the years Biblio Turismo was sponsored by Gosford city
Council, Libraries Alive! And Keith Ainsworth. Each year we printed limited
quantity t shirts to celebrate each ride which were distributed for free to
visiting library staff. I thank the sponsors for their support. I would like to
particularly give special mention to Ian and Sherrey McCallum, Pam and Brian
Young , Richard and Helen Zobec and Alan Arnold, Lon Alvaloine and Ross Balharrie.
Biblio Turismo would not have been the success it was
without the support of the staff at the then Gosford City Library which I was
proud to be the City librarian.
More than thirty librarians on motorbikes joined me on our
odyssey over the fourteen years we operated. We rode in rain, high winds,
searing heat and even snow. We covered over twelve thousand kilometres and
visited over ninety public library buildings in NSW several more in the ACT and
Victoria. We have been welcomed at the National Library of Australia and the
Federal Parliament Library
There has been articles in numerous newspapers, TV and radio
interviews and coverage on social media. Coverage has even extended to the USA.
Biblio Turismo has most probably been the longest running
marketing program for public libraries in New South Wales.
My two Ducatis have also been in more public libraries than
any other vehicle possibly in the world.
Finally thank you to all the public librarians who greeted
us with open arms, fed us refreshments and showed us what is meant by Country
hospitality.
Safe Travels.
Alan Anthony Flores
