What I Learned Today

Imagine a public library, and what comes to mind? Perhaps: a collection of books neatly arranged on shelves, wrapped in silence. Of course, most libraries offer far more than just books (CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, etc.) and services far beyond just access to physical volumes (storytime, literacy tutoring, lectures, book signings, Internet access, reference services, etc.). As a canonical stereotype, however, the static archive of (possibly dusty) books persists.

But now there are efforts to turn libraries into places where you can create, not just consume. One example is the Idea Box at Oak Park Public Library. This is a glassed-in space with a different design each month that lures visitors in to make their own mark. For National Poetry Month, the room was coated with magnetic paint and patrons used magnetic word tiles to assemble their own poems. For National Novel Writing Month, patrons were invited to write short stories about Oak Park and pin them to a map based on where they took place. Another month, patrons were given a book that had been covered in blank paper and invited to decorate it as if it told the story of their lives.

What an opportunistic take on creativity! Many of us may think that writing poetry or short stories or creating art is something that you must set aside a specific time for, and that kind of planned-out creative time may never actually happen. But, drawn in by a moment’s curiosity, you may discover that, given the chance to play with words or chalk or golf tees, an author or artist or composer lives inside you, too. The barrier to entry is so low that you unwittingly step over it as you enter the room. How many patrons, in creating such an ephemeral work of art, walk away with a memory that will linger well beyond the next renovation of the room?

My favorite Idea Box to date is one in which you are encouraged to create your own constellation. Brilliant!

Libraries exist to facilitate learning. Reading is one way to gain knowledge, and active, creative play is another. I’m delighted to see libraries experimenting with a broader view that engages people and enriches their experience of learning.