Dreaming Big



Photo ©Albert Vecerka/Estop

Have some fun, and take a minute to imagine what the school library of your dreams would look like? Some great examples of “cool”, contemporary, kid friendly spaces can be found in Margaret Sullivan’s article, “Divine Design: How to create the 21st-century school library of your dreams." The libraries shown in this article are located in some of New York City's poorest neighborhoods, and were created as part of an initiative by the Robin Hood Foundation-a leader in school library design-and the New York City Department of Education” (Sullivan, 2011). From ceilings painted to look like skies with soaring book lights hanging from them to the mid-century modern retro inspired furniture, these are all inspirational spaces that push the boundaries of what a school library could look like.

Sullivan’s tips for designing spaces are helpful too. Allowing for flexible instructional spaces seems key to successful collaboration and teaching. Sullivan also suggests “Merchandising” books like “Barnes & Noble” making “…your books and magazines more attractive (and more visible!) to students by taking advantage of displays, mobile fixtures, signage, and lighting” (Sullivan, 2011). Insisting on a strong infrastructure and making sure your library is well-powered, will ensure the facility can keep up with technological advances. Sullivan also strongly suggests that the planning of the facility must reflect its vision. She writes: “Start planning your library by listing and prioritizing important activities and desired student outcomes, and be able to clearly articulate the culture you want people to see when they walk into your library. Whatever you do, don’t let the furniture become the main topic of conversation or dictate the space’s culture” (Sullivan, 2011). Finally, I love, love, love Sullivan’s idea inspired by “…child-advocate Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods (Algonquin, 2005), which argues that contemporary children are increasingly cut off from nature and that “[c]reating a secure environment outdoors for students to gather, read, perform, or just relax in expands your space significantly" (Sullivan , 2011). Why couldn’t outdoor spaces be part of the expanding walls of the 21^st century library?

I am left with lots to “dream” about; I will worry about money and time later!