The Library of the Future has a prime spot in the community, a large piece of land protected by a Land Grant, and positioned on the community power grid, with back-up generators so it always has power.
It will be a community meeting place, a place to go in emergencies, a place where people can gather.
The building is large---like Grand Central Station. The First Amendment is above the entrance.
Inside are oasies of green, fountains, chairs, places to play checkers, for people to drink coffee, eat, and chat, large maps, large screen tv of the U.N., Congress, State Congress in action, Stock Exchange Reports, travel information.
The Library is sustained by revenue from food courts and rentals, handled by a 3rd party.
The building includes a post office, social service representives, a passport office and other information related services.
Non-profit agencies who serve the public have offices in wings, at reduced or no cost.
Our information is proactive. If a dangerously depressed old woman limped in on her last good leg, the future librarian could connect her with an actual person on the premises---someone who can actually help her.
It is accepted information that if a person wants help, it is available, but I can attest that sometimes its too much to be able to find it.
A person in acute pain does not have the capacity or energy to chase down that care.
People are suffering behind closed doors, and under bridges.
If you've lost your capacity to make money, you are at the mercy of a very cold world.
If the one-legged lady can make it into the Library of the Future, she is delivered with compassion to people who can actually help, and when she can stand on her one foot, she can hop to the Library of the Future and learn what she can do next.
We see gardens as information too, especially in urban environments, and the grounds provide beauty and respite for the community.
We have auditoriums inside and out, a variety of smaller meeting rooms.
Following the model of the shopping mall, information related services are consolidated in one building.
The same way that 'links' drive traffic to websites, the Library of the Future will create liasons that provide information and drive traffic to the Library.
We have achieved diversity by accepting college graduates as Jr. Librarians, able to do work towards a Master's in LIS as they work. We ensure qualified specialists in this way, rather than manning our desks with bored teenagers.
Computer labs are manned for on-the-spot computer assistance or training.
The Library is on the public transportation line, and includes a huge map of public transportation routes as well as a ticket office.
One wing is a museum with important archives and copies of documents are on display (Constitution, Bill of Rights). A reading room will have readable copies of old books.
Beleagured mothers seeking help for their families in one wing can check their children into the Children's Library so their children can enjoy learning experiences instead of waiting for help with nothing to do. Any parent seeking help, counseling, training can check their child in for a learning experience.
Major focus is dedicated to this wing in giving children opportunities for digital literacy, to hear stories, to have literary experiences. This wing is a colorful wonderland with literary inspired features, including some interactive beanstalks, rabbitholes, or pig's huts.
There are homework labs for all ages of youth for two or so hours each weekday. Liasons with local colleges provide extra assistance from future teachers during homework labs. Homework supplies are provided for any child who needs them and printing school projects are free. Businesses pledge support for literacy and digital literacy for youth allowing these expenses to be paid.
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