Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Blanch.
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My husband Cameron and I are both passionate cyclists and rely on our bikes as our primary mode of transportation. When we moved to Raleigh, we noticed there were very few options for bike rentals outside of ride sharing apps, and we saw an opportunity to create something that could make cycling more accessible.
In May 2024, we started The Bike Library Container on NC State’s Centennial Campus. We secured a contract with NC State University and were able to place a shipping container along the Walnut Creek Greenway near Lake Raleigh. The container began as a bike rental service that also offered simple trailside repairs for people using the greenway.
As we spent more time there, we realized that people were not just coming for bikes. They were coming for repairs, beverages, and connection with other people. In Spring 2025 we saw an opportunity to create a space that combined two things we love, bikes and coffee.
In July 2025, we opened our brick and mortar location in the Boylan Heights neighborhood, where we offer bike repairs alongside specialty coffee. Between the container and the café, we have built a strong and diverse community by hosting group rides, social events, and other activities that bring people together.
The mission of The Bike Library is simple: get more people on bikes. We truly believe we are doing that one interaction at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The Bike Library Container really began after Cameron was laid off from his corporate job in November 2023. Around that time we had already noticed a gap in the community that we felt motivated to fill by offering bike rentals and a space centered around cycling.
Getting the container up and running took a lot of teamwork and many long days by Lake Raleigh. We spent countless hours figuring things out as we went, setting up the space, fixing bikes, and learning how to run a small business in real time. It was incredibly fulfilling, but also demanding.
Opening the storefront came with its own set of challenges. We had to learn everything from how to design the layout to navigating the permitting process, which meant working closely with the city, architects, and engineers to make sure everything met the required standards. On top of that, we took on much of the physical buildout ourselves. Instead of hiring someone to complete the space, we decided to save costs and create it with our own hands, with help from some amazing friends and community members. Cameron built nearly every surface in The Bike Library Café, which made the space feel even more personal to us.
There were definitely moments of uncertainty along the way, but each challenge pushed us to be more creative and resourceful. Looking back, those struggles are a big part of what made the space what it is today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am part owner of The Bike Library and serve as the Community Engagement Director. My role focuses on building relationships with local groups and organizing events that bring people together. At The Bike Library we host a wide range of events including bike maintenance classes, group rides, jazz nights, learn to knit classes, open mic nights, etc. My job is to create opportunities for people to gather, connect, and feel like they belong in the space, which is something I have always been naturally drawn to.
Before Cameron and I moved to Raleigh, we lived in Colorado Springs where we noticed another gap in the cycling community. There were plenty of strong riders and established groups, but very few social rides designed for beginners. So we started the Wednesday Ride, a welcoming and social group ride for people who were new to cycling or simply wanted a more relaxed environment. Over time the Wednesday Ride became a pillar in the Colorado Springs cycling community, and it continues today even though Cameron and I no longer live there. That experience really shaped the way we think about community building.
It taught us that meaningful change often starts with noticing a gap and deciding to do something about it. Cameron and I try to carry that mindset wherever we go. We are often described as changemakers, and that is something we are proud of.
The Bike Library is a great example of that philosophy. The concept of combining a coffee shop and bike shop is not new, but Raleigh did not have a space quite like it. We saw an opportunity to create a place where people could gather around bikes, whether they ride every day or are just curious about getting started. What sets us apart is the focus on community. The Bike Library itself is just a place to get a bike repaired or grab a coffee. But it is also a place where people connect, learn new skills, and feel part of something.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Resilience and a willingness to take risks have been essential to our success. Real change often happens outside of your comfort zone, and building The Bike Library has required us to step into the unknown many times. Whether it was starting the container, expanding into a storefront, or trying new ideas for events and programming, we have had to be comfortable with uncertainty and trust that the work would pay off.
Inclusivity has also been central to what we are building. We care deeply about creating a space that brings people together and makes everyone feel welcome. There is something powerful about walking into a place where there are no cliques, where the mechanic and the barista know your name, and where people from different backgrounds can connect over a shared experience. That feeling of belonging is something we intentionally try to create at The Bike Library.
Just as important is the strength of our partnership. Cameron and I work very closely together, and we genuinely trust and rely on one another. Building a business comes with challenges, long days, and difficult decisions, but having someone you can lean on makes all the difference. That support and shared vision have been key to everything we have built so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebikelibrary.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.bike.library/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4brhJwmY9o
