For around $1,000 a library can purchase a bike repair station. This is a great way to build rapport with both the cycling community, and the neighborhood at large. Some recent examples of public libraries that have installed bicycle repair stations are; Albany Public Library, King County Libraries (Washington), and the District of Columbia Public Library.
Image credit to Nick Normal.
Image of Paseo Cayala, Guatemala
New Urbanism, or “living urbanism“, is a planning philosophy that strives to incorporate land use to create communities that foster the most desirable characteristics of human habitation (e.g. neighborliness, environmental sustainability, historic preservation, civic participation, etc.). Much urban design that styles itself as “newly urban” is crudely done, but when done correctly the design fosters a place and setting that is distinctly comfortable and human. Public (and academic) libraries in towns and urban communities that are interested in being a part of change, should consider new urbanist principles when designing or re-modeling physical spaces. For more information about new urbanism, the lecture by Andrés Duany at the Chicago Humanities Festival is a great start (see below).
Photo credit to https://www.flickr.com/photos/40668062@N00/
From The Tennessean. “Nashville Public Library’s Southeast branch is one of several branches that provides special opportunities for home schoolers. The Bellevue, Donelson, Main and Southeast branches have recognized a growing trend among families using library facilities during the day. Libraries are more than a book/technology resource; they are a true place for community members to gather, share and grow.” Read the rest here.
Joshua M. Avery 