“Thanks to the Chicago Public Library and an outpouring of public support, Gabriel Levinson and his ‘Book Bike‘ win an unexpected battle with City Hall,” according to this post on the Tonic website.

For those of you who don’t know, the Book Bike is a large tricycle that’s been outfitted with a plywood box that contains a world of books. Levinson pedals it weekly through the streets and parks of Chicago, expounding his love of reading, and offering books to anyone who cares to take one. For free. “Hopefully, it’s just a fun discovery for people,” Gabriel Levinson tells Tonic

Seems like a benign enough practice, no? Actually, the kind of self-less, philanthropic activity to be applauded, right? Wrong. As Tonic tells it, one day:

A fellow bicyclist approached Gabriel in one of the city’s parks, and his initial excitement at having a nibble of interest on a slow day soon transformed into surprise and then frustration and anger.

The bicyclist turned out to be a parks department employee who informed Levinson that unless and until he has a permit on hand, he had to remove himself and the Book Bike from park property. The paperwork required would be substantial, and it would be ongoing: Chicagoist reported that in addition to the overall permit, he would need to apply separately for each intended outing. And without 501(c)(3) status, he would not be eligible for fee reductions or waivers, which would likely approach $2,000 in total.

Levinson went home and blogged his frustrations. As he told Tonic, “My blog has about ten regular readers, nine of whom are friends that I’ve browbeaten into reading it.”

Nonetheless the story spread beyond his friends. According to Tonic, “Local media outlet Chicagoist ran the story, and this was soon followed by national media when MSNBC picked up and ran with it. Suddenly awash in interest, moral support and fresh donations from not only those in the Chicago community, but from around the world within mere days, Levinson was surprised how resonant his idea and passion had become with so many.”

“I was simply overwhelmed by what has come back from this. I had no idea that there was this sort of support.” Levinson said.

Soon, the Book Bikes plight came to the attention of the real force behind getting things done in Chicago, the fixer every pol needs, the Public Library. Yes, the library took Levinson’s venture under it’s protective wing. They offered to “deputize” the Book Bike as an official partner.

Levinson’s now got a simple letter, on letterhead, from the library, saying it’s all kosher. No fees, no fines. So, next time some free-lance park ranger gives him a hard time he just flashes his letter.

Don’t mess with the Chicago Public Library.