Lamps on the side of Chicago's Harold Washington Public Library--I was amazed to find it had an innovation lab (some people would call it an innovation incubator)! So far, it's the most exciting find of my adventures in library tourism. Must have been an interesting attraction for those attending the American Library Association's conference. Eager to see more of these pop up throughout the U.S.!The library reminds me a lot of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore Maryland (though I like the space, building and name of the Enoch Pratt Free Library central location/state resource center better), books are arranged by topic (humanities, music, etc.), sometimes taking up whole floors. However, the books and major things to do are nowhere to be found upon entering, much of its contents happen up a series of escalators. Also, the bars reminded me of San Antonio's prison-like public library (note, not my photo, but it captures some of the features well)... at least free minds can't be kept behind bars!
You can find out more about their innovation/maker lab:
http://www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/harold-washington/
http://www.chipublib.org/aboutcpl/cplpr/2013/innovation_lab.php
http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/07/shows-events/ala/1-million-gates-grant-to-fund-chicago-aarhus-libraries-innovation-partnership-ala-annual-2013/
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| Yes, they even had an indoor pool with ducks (a conference theme?). |
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