We have had a lot of response to our write-up on our visit to St. Cloud State library. Now, we want everyone to go!
We have had some fun group visits, and it would be great to see everyone again. Plus, it would be nice to have everyone meet the new Dean.
Let’s narrow down some dates to see what will work best for people who want to attend. Right now we are thinking late December, after the semester ends, or early January before everything gets moving too fast. Give us some idea of your preferences, and we can set up a date for a visit.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Being beautiful is not a requirement for a successful library – but of course a nice setting with an open and airy feeling makes everyone feel good. This library has deliberately added art throughout the library, for sharing information in a visual way, and providing patrons with art to admire. I love this large textile sculpture, called Sunshine Rain created in 1976 by Merle H. Sykora.
I will always be won over with good seating – and check out these tables! People sitting down to work need more space than just a computer – they need to have space for books and other materials right there. These tables provide patrons with not only computer access, but good space to work and even a little privacy from neighbors. Great!
Just look at those smiley books – I love to see cheery art in libraries! It really does help to attract people to a library when the environment is welcoming. Usability in design is a key factor in driving use of the materials we have to share with our communities; so making it fun is always going to be the right choice!
The library was filled with patrons, who we always avoid photographing (privacy is important!), but this quick shot across the room shows not only the cute art that is all over the library – but also the nice display and the sturdy furniture! Creating a space is just the first step in an effective library; building a collection that is connected to patron needs and wants – and in a school that means connecting it to the curriculum – is another important aspect. You can see how nicely everything is set up here, to encourage use of the collection! (Books that just sit and look cute are a waste – making it cute to encourage circulation is the way to go!!)
The big shelves filled with projects and activities were definitely exciting looking – I wanted to go try out some things, so I’m sure kids would be excited too! (Note: They really were! The place was definitely hopping before school, with kids trying out all kinds of great things!)
Look at this cool Jenga set! The very excellent wooden blocks were stacked really high – so it was satisfyingly dramatic when a misplaced block was removed and the entire thing crashed to the floor! (Yes it was also very cool to watch it be built – but everyone loves a good crash!)
3d printers are increasingly popular in all libraries, because you can do so many neat things with them! Of course it’s fun to make cute plastic items; but the plans for these printers is much grander. Kids need to know all kinds of technology skills, and these printers will be used to teach kids how to manipulate objects digitally then to create them in the physical world – great!
When I visit libraries, of course I’m a guest – so it wouldn’t be polite to just grab things away from the patrons. But: Reader, I was tempted here! These are round robots, each being driven by a separate person as they race around this track! The students could use apps to direct their robots to zoom all around the course, banging into each other and having a great time. Later, the tools they use will be adjusted so the students will have to do their own coding to make the robots go – an excellent idea!! Coding skills are important in being an information literate member of society, and it’s great to see that happening in such a fun environment!
This photo of the little drones is slightly blurry, as I was excitedly talking with a student about these and the other tech devices. Listening to the kids themselves explaining what they were doing, and what kinds of cool things they could develop, was fantastic!
Of course, we are a profession dedicated to sharing information; and all of that means we use all kinds of formats to accomplish that. We are most known for our paper books – and that is a lovely format to use in any library! These books are not only nicely arranged, but also set off by the inspirational artwork above the shelves. Additionally, on the shelf closer to us in this photo, you can see puzzles and games – exactly the kind of material a library serving young people should be sharing!
Turning the other way, you see the rest of the library and all the great resources. I just love this locker system for assorted projects and materials! Making materials not only easily accessible, but displayed in an attractive way, really increases their use. The whole point to a library is to share material with our community members; and you can see the nice job they are doing with that here! 
People can also drop off their books for Great River libraries here at the community center. And take a moment to admire the art wraps around both of these devices – they really add to the cool factor!
Shelves of books are always nice to view – and it’s great to see volunteers who have clearly worked so hard to provide a nice resource for their community!
And when you combine lots of books with comfy seating, you really have a great place! Community members can check in with the volunteers to take home books. And there are plans for computers and maker-spaces and potentially other fun activities!
So Sartell residents, you can check out your new community center, with all kinds of activities for you to enjoy. And while you are there, take advantage of the partnership with Great River and the also the resources available in this library room!