Mar 30, 2012
[Another post from Sam on tour—explanation here.] When we wrapped up the Storefront Library, we wanted to create another small-scale, public space centered on books and learning. To get started, we wiped the slate clean and tried to envision an institution from...
Mar 29, 2012
[Another post from Sam on tour—explanation here.] Ten years ago, residents of lower Manhattan were given a chance to tell planners what should be rebuilt in our neighborhood after Sept. 11, 2001. I made one suggestion: visit Chicago and the Old Town School of Folk...
Mar 27, 2012
[Another post from Sam: libraries and public space on tour—explanation here.] 24 hours in the Bay Area, and I didn’t cross the Bay Bridge. Thinking back, I sought out a place that inspired us in 2009: the Asian Branch of the Oakland Public Library and...
Mar 23, 2012
[Another post from Sam: libraries and public space on tour—explanation here.] Here’s a postcard from LA and a few thoughts about learning and public space. With only 24 hours and without my own ride, I could not hit the outlier libraries and little institutions...
Mar 22, 2012
[Another post from Sam, libraries and public space on tour—explanation here.] One night in Portland means I head directly to Powell’s. Primary mission: I need a book for the next few flights. Also, Powell’s always gives me ideas and inspiration for the...
Mar 22, 2012
[Another post from Sam visiting libraries and public spaces on tour—explanation here.] Here in Seattle, I received a tip from a friend of the Uni: Seattle Public Library Bookmobile parked at a nearby Chevron station. I could actually see it from the hotel window....
Mar 20, 2012
A friend of the Uni sent these images. On his way to work this morning, he noticed that the small triangle at 14th St and 9th Ave (recently reclaimed as a pedestrian/seating area) has been reclaimed again. Let’s say it once more: what we put in the heart of our...
Mar 19, 2012
[Another post from Sam visiting libraries and public spaces on tour—explanation here.] I took a two mile walk in Vancouver, departing from my hotel in the city center. Looking at libraries and public space. Looking for ideas to improve the Uni. Here’s that I...
Mar 16, 2012
[Another post from Sam visiting libraries and public spaces on tour—explanation here.] I’m at SXSW, wrapping up tonight. As a musician, I’m happy; SXSW has been very good to our band. As someone with an agenda about public space, however, I can’t...
