Month: April 2024

This course has helped me understand that libraries are so much more than just places for books. Instead, libraries are places where people have the opportunity to interact with information in new ways and participate in new experiences. From maker spaces to seed libraries to robots, libraries are going beyond books to deliver innovative experiences and services to their communities (Hood, 2014).

New Models: Robotic Pets and Public Libraries 

I read an article today by Rosie Newmark (2024) in the new issue of the American Libraries magazine that reminded me of the new models of service being explored by public libraries. The article discussed several libraries that have added robotic animals to their collections. One such library, the Ela Area Public Library (EAPL) in Illinois, has added three animatronic cats and one dog to their collection since 2022. EAPL uses the animals during outreach for older adults at assisted living and memory care facilities to provide health benefits and companionship. Other libraries, like the Buncombe County Public Library in North Carolina, use robotic animals during storytime, where children can practice reading aloud to “Puptart” the robotic dog.

That’s Just My (Robotic) Baby Doggie – EAPL on TikTok

@elapubliclibrary

Check us out later for our next furry friend reveal! #dogsoftiktok #librarypets #robot #outreach #foryou

♬ That’s Just My Baby Doge – Chicky Milky

Benefits of Lifelike Robotic Cats and Dogs

Animatronic cats, dogs, and even birds can be purchased from the manufacturer Joy for All for around $150. The interactive animals breathe, purr, bark, meow, and wag their tails- providing all of the companionship and health benefits of real animals without the upkeep or allergen concerns. Robotic animals possess a wealth of benefits for people of all ages. A 2020 study supporting robotic animal therapy in the library found that using robotic animals reduced stress and increased happiness in patrons (Edwards et al., 2020). I first heard about animatronic animals being used for therapeutic or companionship purposes around 2016, likely when Hasbro launched Joy for All. It is wonderful that public libraries are beginning to facilitate access to robotic animals for their patrons who might not be able to afford to purchase their own furry companion.

References

Edwards, A., Edwards, C., Abendschein, B., Espinosa, J., Scherger, J., & Patricia, V. M. (2020). Using robot animal companions in the academic library to mitigate student stress. Library Hi Tech, 40(4), 878–893.

Hood, G. (2014, September 15). 5 ways Colorado libraries are going beyond books. https://www.kunc.org/arts-life/2014-09-15/5-ways-colorado-libraries-are-going-beyond-books

Newmark, R (2024, May). Librarian’s pet: Public libraries add robotic animals to their collections. American Libraries Magazine, 55(5), 10-11.

Little Free Library (LFL) is a nonprofit organization that promotes community, inspires readers, and expands book access through a global network of volunteer-led LFL book exchange boxes. The first LFL was created in 2009 by LFL’s co-founder Tod Bol, but the “take a book, share a book” concept would soon expand to become a global book-sharing movement to develop systems of sharing and learning from one another (Little Free Library, n.d.). The LFL organization provides education and guidelines for establishing new book boxes. Anyone can build and open their own LFL. Most LFLs are volunteer-led by LFL stewards, but some are run in partnership with schools, public libraries, local businesses, or other groups (About Us, 2022). 

There is increasing involvement in public libraries placing LFLs in their library neighborhoods. Public librarians can utilize their collection development skills to curate an LFL collection sourced from community donations and secondhand stores. LFLs are an exciting community-focused project that fosters a sense of community by sharing knowledge “within a framework of caring and familiarity”, (Stephens, 2012).

Library-As-Intervention Model

Public libraries operate under a progressive interventionist model- that is, they prioritize putting knowledge into the hands of the poor, immigrants, and people who have been historically excluded from educational institutions. Similarly, the “library-as-intervention model” is demonstrated by the LFL’s outdoor book-sharing boxes, which make use of the excess unwanted books that would otherwise end up at secondhand stores, recycling centers, or landfills (Agresta, 2014).

LFLs in My Community (San Jose, CA)

San Jose is home to hundreds of registered LFL book exchange boxes that can be viewed on an interactive map, and even more unregistered book exchange boxes scattered throughout the neighborhoods. The map is useful for locating LFLs in your community but does not include the LFL book boxes that have not been registered on the LFL website by purchasing a charter sign for $50-70. This high price point can be a barrier to entry for some, but registering your LFL is not a requirement for creating a social hub that fosters a sense of community.

Figure 1: A LFL in San Jose, CA built in 2014 by community member Mike Tierney. This steampunk-themed LFL was one of the first 2,000 LFLs to be registered (Morris, 2023).

My neighborhood in south San Jose is fortunate to have at least 10 LFLs that I am aware of within walking distance of my house. I dream of someday becoming a steward of my own LFL book exchange box, whether in partnership with the public library as a librarian or as an independent venture. I love coming across new LFLs in coffee shops, near schools, and outside of libraries. LFL co-founder Tod Bol dreamed of a world with an LFL on every block and a book in every hand, and I believe his dream is steadily becoming a reality.

References 

About Us. (2022, May 3). Little Free Library. https://littlefreelibrary.org/about/

Agresta, M. (2014). Will Libraries Exist in the Future? If So, They’ll Be Very Different. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/04/the-future-of-the-library-how-theyll-evolve-for-the-digital-age.html

Little Free Library. (n.d.). Todd H. Bol. https://littlefreelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Todd-H.-Bol-Notice.pdf

Morris, J. (2023, January 15). Curbside Little Free Libraries popping up all over the Bay Area. The Mercury News. https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/01/15/curbside-little-free-libraries-popping-up-all-over-the-bay-area/

Stephens, M. (2012). Little Free Libraries. Library Journal. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/little-free-libraries-office-hours