Welcome to Summer Wonder at Home Creativity Challenges! Build, create, design or discover something new all summer long, using materials you have at home. This week’s challenge is to design your dream library.
Libraries are an important part of every community. Think about your local library. What activities have you participated in there? What have you seen other people doing? Libraries connect people to information and services in their communities. They help people learn and discover new interests.
Libraries look different all over the world. Some libraries are on boats, on donkeys, or even on bicycles! You may have visited a library that was very large, or perhaps you’ve spotted a Little Free Library while walking in your neighbourhood. Libraries give people different experiences based on the type of books, services and spaces they have to offer.
For this week's challenge, imagine it's the year 2140 — that's 120 years from now! What would your dream library look like in the future? Think about where in the universe it might be. Is it on Mars or another planet? Talk about your ideas with a friend or family member, then draw out your plan. Here are some things to think about as you design your library:
- What do the inside and outside of your library look like?
- What makes it different from other libraries? Is there something that makes it special?
- How are the books organized? Many libraries use the Dewey Decimal System, but can you think of a different way?
- Who would use your library and how would they use it? Is there anyone that would not be able to use your library? Why?
When you're ready, make your dream library come to life! Use paper, cardboard, toys or whatever you have at home to build it.
Read more about libraries in these books:
Curious George Visits the Library by Margret and H.A. Rey
My First Trip to the Library by Greg Roza
My Librarian is a Camel: How Books are Brought to Children Around the World by Margriet Ruurs
Librarians in my Community by Gina Bellisario
Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford
We'd love to see what you've created! Ask a grown-up to share a picture of your library with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by using the hashtag #TPLSummerWonder.
Try all the other Creativity Challenges:
Design a Dinosaur
Every Bird Needs a Nest
Create a Time Machine
Graffiti Prints
Animal Sun Print
Build a Monument
I Remember!
Build a Fort