Parque Biblioteca (Library Parks)

Library parks, coined to describe the multi-purpose urban complexes developed in Medellín, Colombia, reimagine libraries as community centers and catalysts for social well-being. In underserved neighborhoods recovering from socio-economic damage, these campuses combine libraries with green spaces, auditoriums, art galleries, childcare centers, computer labs, and other neighborhood organizations to expand access to education, culture, and social services. Library park projects were strategic in fostering civic engagement, digital inclusion, and community well-being.

By bringing broader infrastructure improvements, library parks enhanced the economic prospects of local residents (Holmes & De Piñeres, 2014). This new model showed the world another way to invest in collective futures. There are 10 library park sites in total, built between 2005 and 2011. The concept has sparked inspiration around the world, including Manguinhos Library Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Module 8 

Similarly, Anythink Nature Library in Thornton, Colorado, was designed to help visitors reconnect with nature. Features of this campus model include indoor and outdoor programming spaces, gardens, and nature trails that help reintegrate life back into our daily experiences.

In Des Moines, Iowa, we learned about the Outreach Project, a public library and social work partnership helping patrons in crisis by connecting them to trained social services staff or supporting organizations that address psychosocial needs, such as finding housing, obtaining an ID, or accessing public benefits (State Library of Iowa Continuing Education, 2023).

These examples all point to an evolution of service models, in which libraries are melding and integrating various social benefits onsite to support their communities in a more holistic approach. Like Occupational Therapists, both professions aim to “enable people to engage in all the activities that give their life meaning, meet their personal needs, and fulfill their obligations,” which is actually quite a broad umbrella of possibilities and definitions. (Sidenote: OT was a career path I almost pursued! Funny how the same core concepts resonate deeply for me, and I am drawn to this type of work and influence). By designing library programs and spaces, the LIS profession is able to shape many lives and experiences for the better.

All over the world, libraries are adapting to meet their communities’ needs… Who else is gonna do this? – Pam Sandlian Smith, TEDx talk

References

AnyThink Nature Library (n.d.). Anythink. https://www.anythinklibraries.org/anythink-nature-library/?fbclid=IwAR2DgO-k8nU6kNUODo7vTlRXKiEiYSoSeQMC8Aq0QnoLMZoT3d-QKpbSl5M

Holmes, J. S., & De Piñeres, S. a. G. (2014). Medellín’s Biblioteca España: Progress in unlikely places. Stability International Journal of Security and Development, 3(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.5334/sta.cz

State Library of Iowa Continuing Education. (2023, February 14). ILOC 2023 | The Outreach Project: A Library-Social Work Partnership [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iquPzVICfI