Today, a little Uni took a big step, venturing by boat to an island in the middle of New York Harbor. I’m pleased (and just a little relieved) to announce that the installation of a Uni on Governors Island is complete. Below are the photos.
Thanks to Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Chief Librarian, Brooklyn Public Library, with whom we’ve worked since 2011 on adventures like this. The outdoor reading room on Governors Island will operate through a remarkable partnership between all three of New York City’s library systems—The Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Library. We couldn’t be happier to be helping this happen in New York.
Last year, Governors Island, a stunning island park and cultural destination just 800 yards from Manhattan, welcomed over 345,000 visitors. This year, even more are expected, and we think they’re going to love the Uni.
Carefully sizing up some very familiar logos for the Uni.
There’s a Uni in that BPL truck. Librarian Lea Salem is waving (and wearing her seatbelt.)
Richard keeping a sharp eye on the cargo.
The Uni drives past a former library on the island that once served military officers stationed there.
Baseplate first. I’m thinking about grass—I haven’t done this on grass before.
Placing the baseplate is an art and science. Here, it looks like some kind of pagan dance.
Baseplate committee deliberates.
Testing the new cover. Made in Brooklyn.
Next step: books. This collection is being supplied by the three libraries.
Lea Salem leads the book shelving. Come and meet her, she’ll be one of the librarians on site.
Leslie Davol, Uni Project; Richard Reyes-Gavilan and Lea Salem BPL pose with the Uni. First of many photos that will be snapped this summer, I think.
Feel like a parent dropping off a kid at camp. I’m excited for this Uni and the places it will go, but a little misty as I head for the ferry home. Go well.
All in a days work. You can ride this ferry for free to visit the Uni all summer. Keep on reading.
More photos of this Uni being fabricated and delivered here.