Bike Library & Workshop
What is The Bike Library & Workshop?
The Bike Library & Workshop is a community bike shop on campus and is an initiative under Sustain SU. We are fully equipped with the tools and space necessary to repair and maintain bikes. Bike repairs are DIY, however, our volunteers & Bike Library Mechanic can provide guidance and offer some help. Tool and stand use are entirely FREE, but we do take monetary donations!
The Bike Library & Workshop also sells used and new components and parts such as tubes, tires, and other accessories. We are not taking donations of bikes due to the lack of space, but feel free to donate any parts or components that are not of use to you.
The Bike Library was founded in 2005 in the basement of the Students’ Union Building. It originally operated as a place to loan bikes to students and staff (hence the name). In 2013, the Bike Library moved to SAB 1-13, and its name was changed to the Bike Library & Workshop (BLW).
Note: We do not bleed hydraulic brakes or repair suspension. Please visit your local bike shop for these specialized services.
Spring/Summer Hours (effective April 30th, 2024):
Tuesday: 12-6PM
Wednesday: 12-6PM
Thursday: 12-6PM
Closed Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Note: the South Academic Building (SAB) is now OneCard access only during operational hours over the course of the Spring and Summer semesters. If you have a OneCard, please be sure to bring it with you if you're planning to visit the Bike Library. If you do not have a OneCard, please use our doorbell (we'll come and open the door for you). You can find the doorbell on the east side of SAB, accessed from the parking lot between the old Dentistry/Pharmacy Building and SAB.
Events & Updates
Upcoming Closures and Hour Changes
We will have reduced hours June 4th through June 6th (inclusive).
Tuesday, June 4th: 1-6PM
Wednesday, June 5th: 1-6PM
Thursday June 6th: 1-6PM
Upcoming Workshops
We will be offering Bike Checks on June 3rd, 2024 from 9AM to 11AM on Celebration Plaza (in front of the Administration Building) to kick-off Environment Week and the annual Commuter Challenge in collaboration with Energy & Climate Action. Stop by for a quick bike check and/or diagnosis to prepare for your summer commutes! June is Bike Month!
Volunteer Recruitment
Please email us at bikelibrary@su.ualberta.ca if you are interested in volunteering May through September. Positions require a minimum 2 hours/week commitment.
Services
Drop-in
- Got a flat? Need oil for your chain? Want to clean your bike? Add some air? Drop-in!
- Appointments will take priority at any given time, but if you need something small and feel confident with DIY, drop-in!
- Book an appointment for our services including DIY Bike Repairs or Bike Rentals with guidance from our Staff and Volunteers.
DIY Bike Repairs
To visit our shop for a bike service or repair, please book an appointment through our Square website. Please leave a description of what you or your bike needs! Walk-ins are accepted depending on the circumstances.
Bike Rentals (Reopening May 13th, 2024)
The Bike Library has a variety of bikes available for rent. Our Bike Fleet consists of City, Mountain, and Road bikes and is well maintained by our Bike Mechanic and Volunteers.
If you are interested in renting a bike please fill out the rental registration form below and book an appointment to check out our fleet at the Bike Library! Note: rentals will begin on May 13th, 2024!
Rental Fees
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$5.00 + GST one-day rental
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$15.00 + GST per week rental
There is a $160 rental deposit which will be refunded when the bike is returned. Renters will be issued a U-lock and key, and a pair of lights if needed. Note that we DO NOT provide renters with a helmet.
NOTE - We are unfortunately unable to accept debit cards for rental deposits.
We are closed on provincial and regional holidays.
Workshops
The Bike Library & Workshop hosts a variety of workshops throughout the year that focus on specific bike topics. The goal for each workshop is to learn basic mechanical skills. All workshops are hosted in the Bike Library.
Donations
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Parts: feel free to donate any parts or components that are not of use to you. Give us a heads up via email or Instagram!
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Bikes: we occasionally accept bike donations, however, we have a very small workshop and storage for our fleet. If you'd like to donate a bike, please email us with photos so we can let you know if we're able to accept a bike donation before it is brought into the shop.
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Monetary: workshop and tool use is FREE! We do accept monetary donations in the shop.
Bike Library Projects
Access our volunteer projects using this link.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at bikelibrary@su.ualberta.ca.
If you would like to comment or give feedback on any of our services please fill out this form. Any comments or feedback will be greatly appreciated and will help improve operations.
Phone
780-492-1648
Email
bikelibrary@su.ualberta.ca
SAB 1-13
South Academic Building (SAB)
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G7
