This library wants you to play
January 28th, 2014 at 8:09 pm (Library School)
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.
Holly said,
January 29, 2014 at 3:31 pm
You make a good point when you talk about the spontaneity of participation at places like the Idea Box. Many people, I think, get anxiety when they plan to create. Having a space conveniently located for foot traffic also eliminates the potential for procrastination. People are already there, all they have to do is step inside.
Melissa said,
January 29, 2014 at 6:13 pm
That constellation idea is so cool!
The Idea Box in general is amazing; there’s really nothing like it in the area I live. I would have loved something like this growing up (heck, I’d love something like this NOW)! Seeing stuff like this makes me really excited for librarianship.
Scott said,
January 29, 2014 at 10:08 pm
It is the moment of discovery that makes something fresh. Making complicated physical objects is something that has faded from my generation onward. But, there is a cultural desire, I think, to remember how to build things. It has become a bit esoteric, but I think that’s the perfect opportunity for the library to instigate a conversation/interaction.
Nick said,
January 30, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Good post! I learned something new–didn’t know about the “create your own constellation”
Discovery, chances and relieving the anxiety–all key features of this space. Another important thing could be the freedom of choice that these opportunity spaces give to the patrons. There are a lot of different layers of choices–they don’t even have to walk in and participate if they don’t care to. Also, the way that creating is treated so openly and non judgemental makes it so you don’t have to worry about being an “expert,” or “talented.” It really takes a lot of the pressure off of creativity, and the results can be spectacular.
Great idea about how a patron’s memory of creating something can possibly counter the ephemeral nature of the artifacts–I was struggling with/thinking about that issue myself.