Chicago / Afton

Big and small are getting into the game; expanding the game of making meaning, of making.

The reason for libraries to host a 3D printer, to have kids write code for a  Raspberry Pi, or encourage electric guitars on a library stage is to broaden and accommodate the range of activities where students might find an avenue to channel inspiration into accomplishment; finding, along the way, a reason to connect logic or grammar, design or discipline, historical event or scientific principle to a "thing"of their own making.

We expect them to build connections with essays, DBQs, and slide shows within the pigeon-holes of each class they take; but within the open context of a library where every avenue of learning convenes and where the opportunity to assemble those partitioned pieces of experience has precedent - a certain curtain is raised between the segments of their learning. A new reach of possibility comes into play.

Easels, Fender amps, video cameras, and collaborative staffs - that stew of tools, trust, and the nudge-to-try is the hallmark of discovery, creativity, and learning. Students will find that opportunity, more a than ever, at the library.