Residents in Lacombe and Blackfalds have another reason to travel with BOLT Transit, thanks to a new reading program.

Lacombe and District FCSS and the Town of Blackfalds have launched Books on the Bus, providing riders with free reading material on buses in Lacombe and Blackfalds.

The books are provided through donation, and riders have the ability to take books home with them if they’re really enjoying the read.

It’s an initiative that Blackfalds Mayor Melodie Stol has really gotten behind.

“BOLT is still relatively new, but every year we see a few more people riding, a few more students riding. As the community organizations get more familiar with the bus routes and the bus schedules, they'll be able to connect those people who really need that assistance.”

"This is just another great service on the bus, that I hope, will improve ridership even further.”

Stol said the program is a win/win for everyone involved.

“It’s a great recycling project where people can recycle those books that they love, but no longer have the space for. It also gives people the opportunity, who maybe can’t access those books otherwise, a chance to read.”

All books can be dropped at Lacombe Mary C. Moore Library, Lacombe Gary Moe Sportsplex, Lacombe City Hall, Blackfalds Multiplex, Blackfalds Abbey Centre and the Blackfalds Public Library.

All books must be paperback.