The Uni Project

Uni back in Corona, Queens

Sam — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:36:10 +0000

The Uni returned to Corona Plaza, Queens, another plaza newly pedestrianized by NYC DOT. Our host was the amazing Queens Museum, which has been trailblazing in its energetic efforts to engage the community outside their walls. (Read more about the museum’s approach to community and efforts in Corona Plaza in this interview with QMA Director of Programs, Prerana Reddy.) A big thanks to our new volunteer, Xavier Williams, graduate student in the Theories of Urban Practice program at Parsons Design school. Thanks also to Ken Gordon for monitoring approaching thunderstorm via radar. To maximize street time and avoid rain, we deployed early, threading the needle of bad weather. See final photos below for the dramatic finish where the community pitched in to help load out. Thank you Corona!

One of my favorite books, donated by Museum of Chinese in America.

(We chose to keep the bottom row of the Uni empty to speed load-out in case of thunder storm.)

Using a flow chart to identify ants under the microscope.

A spot of rain: we deployed a tent to keep reading.

Solved in Queens. Pride.

The Uni collection is truly multigenerational. (This young boy happens to be browsing another favorite of mine: a German book about temporary use of public space in Berlin…)

Thanks to Alex Garcia of the Queens Museum for joining us on the plaza.

These sisters collected two ants for identification.

Right after taking this photo, the call came in: “fast approaching storm on radar!”

I asked for help. These ten Uni patrons became Uni volunteers and helped pack the books.

In the end, the only thing caught in the rain was the baseplate. It needed a wash anyway. Thank you, as always, Corona. Proud to be in your neighborhood.

Uni deploys to Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Sam — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:48:41 +0000

On Friday, May 10, the Uni went to Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, in support of the Fulton Area Business Alliance’s effort to program Putnam Triangle Plaza, a newly pedestrianized plaza created by NYC DOT in partnership with local community groups. We had lots of little kids out for the evening with their parents, kids waiting on their mothers at the nearby beauty parlor, and other neighborhood folks. We were joined again by urban ecologist Andrew Collins, who collected ants (and leaves) to examine under the microscope. Thanks to FAB Alliance and to volunteer librarians, Meghan and Leigh, for their help!

Uni Volunteer Meghan gets us started with patron #1.

Biologist Andrew Collins fires up the microscope.

What we put at street level matters. I’ll take: a biologist, a microscope, and a boy.

She stayed at the Uni for several hours with her sister, and then she gave me suggestions in the comment book.

At the end of the day, the Uni sign seemed to read “reading roam.” Exactly. Thanks all for another great day!

Uni in South Bronx

Leslie — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:51:26 +0000

On Thursday, May 9, the Uni deployed to a playground adjacent to MS 223 and Clark Junior High School in the South Bronx (Third Ave and E144th St). We chose a paved area just outside the playground where we could catch the eye of the students after school and also attract people waiting at the bus stop, or walking to The Hub, a major shopping and transit center nearby. The sidewalk location was also very much in the spirit of MS 223′s Community Reads Night, a weekly event designed to encourage everybody in the community to read, not only students.

The Uni was warmly welcomed and quickly drew a crowd. Patron numbers peaked at 4:30 pm, after kids leaving school had a chance to decompress in the playground first. One older girl told me, “I just read in school!” and she moved on down the street with her friends. But many more stayed with us and read. One man told me, “I’ve lived here 25 years and never have I seen anything like this. This is great.” We’re looking forward to returning to this neighborhood next week. Thanks to volunteer librarian Emily, and to Literacy Coach Heather Burns and Principal Ramón Gonzales of MS 223, for spreading the word about the Uni in the community. Photos below, captions by Sam.

Uni step 1: assess ground conditions, deploy baseplate, throw a level on it. (Click panorama to view larger.)

Next: add books.

Heather Burns, Literacy Coach at MS 223, helps introduce folks to the Uni.

Learning how to use a microscope to identify ants. Thanks to biologist Andrew Collins for curating this new cube.

Solved! Uni tangram solved for the first time in new borough, the Bronx.

Thanks to Heather Burns, Literacy Coach, and Principal Ramón Gonzales of MS223 for joining us on the street!

This girl, with mom watching, solved nearly all of Robert Berkman’s math puzzles.

New Uni volunteer, deputized on site, helps fix my signs. Thanks!

Thanks to volunteer librarian Emily Jacobson and her new assistant. See you next week in the Bronx.

Uni awarded Natl. Book Foundation Innovations In Reading Prize

Sam — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:48:49 +0000

We’re honored to announce that the Uni has been awarded a 2013 Innovations in Reading Prize from the National Book Foundation. Each year, the Foundation recognizes individuals and institutions that have developed “innovative means of creating and sustaining a lifelong love of reading.” Last year, for example, our friend and inspiration Laura Moulton received the prize.

Thank you to everyone who has helped create the Uni: designers, fabricators, installers, librarians, teachers, volunteers, funders, and supporters. We launched less than two years ago on Sep. 11, 2011, and we plan to keep rolling with our vision to bring books and learning to the public spaces of New York City neighborhoods.

Speaking of rolling, in the next 72 hours, the Uni will deploy three times in three days in three boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens. Look for us in the South Bronx in support of MS223′s Community Reads Night initiative, and then in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn in support of an emerging pedestrianized plaza, and finally at Corona Plaza under the 7 train in Queens to reunite with residents there. Details here. See you on the streets of New York.

Wrapping up the Uni at Ideas City

Sam — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:00:24 +0000

Last week, the Uni made several appearances at the New Museum’s IDEAS CITY.

First, architect J. Meejin Yoon talked about the Uni design at “Ad Hoc Strategies.” Then, Sam and I attended the Audi Urban Future Initiative luncheon and heard Columbia University’s five hypotheses for cities in 2050. (Think Uni: “transgenerational capacity,” “mobility,” and “generosity.”) We then presented the Uni at a panel curated by Kickstarter and miLES (Made in the Lower East Side).

Amazing book donated by Museum of Chinese in America. When you put something delicate in public space, people feel respected by that choice, and they give respect (to the book and to the Uni).

Finally, we deployed the Uni on a closed-off street as part of IDEAS CITY StreetFest with help from volunteers Leigh, Emily, Angela, Pascale, and 9-yr old Miles. We tested some wonderful new cubes. Columbia University gradate student and educator Andrew Collins showed us ants. Seattle-based science writer and museum exhibit developer Winifred Kehl explained geologic time scale. Artist Lisa Bateman showed us some of the oldest books in public circulation in the New York area, drawing our attention to physical books that are disappearing. Special thanks to Andrew for guiding patrons on the scope and to Lisa for stopping by.

Here are the photos (captions by Sam):

En route to festival, Uni passes NYPD Queens Mobile Command Center. Tactical approach.

Biologist Andrew Collins gets things rolling with the new ant cube. Microscope!

I’m making a mental note here: raise funds and help Andrew reach neighborhoods all across NYC.

The cross-legged posture of an experienced reader who needs no table to read. Role model.

First time on the street for beautiful book on biodiversity, “One Cubic Foot,” by David Liittschwager.

This amazing pop-up book from Paris will be in the hands of New Yorkers all summer.
Our goal: make a place where NYC kids can actually hold a book like this.

Solved! Nice work.

NYC artist Lisa Bateman curated a cube gathering some of the oldest books in circulation in the New York Area.

New cube about geologic time scale created by Winifred Kehl, a science writer and museum exhibit developer.

Volunteer Emily keeps an eye on patron’s bike.

Volunteers Leigh and Emily take a break in the sun.

Patron on right is reading: “Man who Walked Between the Towers.”

Sun sets on the Uni. Load out, and three new deployments next week. Thanks all.

Uni at IdeasCity

Sam — Sat, 04 May 2013 11:06:35 +0000

The Uni returns to the Lower East Side once again! This time, we’ll visit IDEAS CITY 2013 to show folks how the Uni works. Come meet us Sat 5/4, 11am-6pm on Stanton St at Bowery (map).

We’ll show off the Uni infrastructure, including a new bench design. On site, we’ll also be putting together three new cubes:

Check out a citizen-science cube for identifying ant species (with microscope!), created by Andrew Collins. Andrew is a science communicator and educator who has taught science in NYC schools and is currently pursuing for a degree at Columbia University.
Explore a cube about geologic time scale, plotting some (extremely) old events on a rope timeline, created by Winifred Kehl, a science writer and museum exhibit developer who specializes in informal (outside the classroom) science education.
NYC artist Lisa Bateman has curated a cube reprising a work of hers currently on display at EIDIA House in Brooklyn called The Book Cart, gathering some of the oldest books in circulation in the New York Area for your perusal. Also included is a limited edition print, called “what I remember most is this,” an inkless letterpress text of a remembered short story in a book which Lisa has lost—the narrative distorted and manipulated as a tool for invention through forgetting.

Stop by and introduce yourself to the Uni. See you on the street!

New ant cube in the Uni

New time cube in the Uni

Oldest Books Cube

Museum of Modern Art curates cube of books for Uni

Leslie — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:13:07 +0000

Coinciding with the Uni’s visit to the PS1 Dome at the Rockaways in April, 2013, the Museum of Modern Art curated and donated a cube of outstanding books that will engage kids and adults across NYC for years to come. MoMA’s publications program has been an integral part of the Museum’s mission since its founding in 1929. MoMA has published over 1,250 titles in twenty languages to date, showcasing the scholarship of the Museum’s staff and associates, and serving as a valuable resource to scholars, students, and art lovers alike. And now, these books will travel to neighborhoods across the city. MoMA PS1 also donated several titles. Thanks MoMA!

2013 season underway; Uni deploys to Rockaways

Sam — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:55:53 +0000

On a breezy Saturday (4/13/13), the Uni deployed to the Rockaways in Queens, an area still recovering from Sandy. We set up a the reading room alongside the MoMA PS1 VW Dome as part of an afternoon coordinated by the Queens Museum of Art. This was our first outing of the season, and we were pushing the weather envelope and trying to create a warm spring day by force of will. And lo, the intrepid residents of the Rockaways were of the same mind—they came out, gathered with us, read books, even as a crew was demolishing the remnants of the boardwalk across the street. Thanks to all who came, and to Uni volunteers Leigh, Emily, Pascale, and Malcolm who made it happen.

There will be many sunny days to come in the Rockaways, and the Uni hopes to return soon. We’re thinking about how the Uni could be deployed on sand…

Uni deployed directly from the Queens Musuem where we’re currently on exhibit.

Uni base plate lands. After consulting with local weather experts, we decide to go for it and set up outside the dome to help draw in more passersby.

Puzzle solved! She asked: “can you take a picture?” Pride. Yes.

MoMA and MoMA PS1 donated a wonderful cube of new books to the Uni. These will travel with us across New York in the years ahead. Cheers MoMA.

Photo: Emily Jacobson.

Solved! I see a trend here. Justin asked for a “harder puzzle” to try next. There we go.

Volunteers Leigh and Emily made it happen today. Thanks!

Photo: Emily Jacobson.

I’ve noticed that kids walk around the Uni, touching it, just like this. Works for me.

We are on a roll, pass it on. Soved!

What’s odd? A library on the street? Two surfers in full wet suits on the sidewalk? In the Rockaways, neither.

When the Uni is closing up, there’s always a couple patrons who don’t head for the exits. Perfect.

New Uni benches debuted in Rockaways. Stackable, they take 1/5 as much space to store and lift with one hand.

I need to move those bins. OK, never mind. Keep on.

Uni volunteers go anywhere for books and learning. Thanks Pascale, Leigh, and Emily. Also Malcolm (not shown, loading truck).

Here’s a time-lapse of our strike at the end of the day, interrupted first by a little girl named Josephine and then by a member of the clean-up crew who picked up our camera to take it to lost and found!

Uni NYC back on street this weekend.

Sam — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:40:20 +0000

Here we go New York—the Uni heads outside this weekend. Join us and help change the landscape for learning in NYC:

~~On Friday 4/12~~ (postponed-rain) the Uni will bring books and learning to a recently pedestrianized plaza in Ft. Greene Brooklyn. Locals have started a series called “FAB Fridays” intended to bring activity to this new public space recently reclaimed from traffic. The Uni will run from 2:30pm – 7:30pm at Fulton St & Lafayette Ave (map). Thanks to Fulton Area Business Alliance for inviting us over! (New date coming soon.)

On Saturday 4/13 the Uni will deploy to the Rockaways in Queens, an area still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. We’ll set up for residents alongside MoMA PS1′s VW Dome 2 as part of an afternoon coordinated by the Queens Museum of Art. The Uni will run from 3pm – 6pm between Beach 94th and Beach 95th streets (map).

Right now, the Uni is on display at the Queens Museum of Art, and so we’ll be deploying directly from the museum itself. There will be an “Item on Loan” sign in the gallery over the weekend.

Now is a great time to get involved: volunteer in the Uni! We can use help of all kinds, and the experience of running an outdoor reading room around New York is unbeatable. See you on the street.

Almaty Uni reading room pops up in airport

Sam — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:50:54 +0000

The team behind the Uni in Almaty has done it again. Unwilling to close the portable reading room during the bitter cold Kazakh winter, they deployed in a popular shopping mall and now the Almaty International Airport.

This photo from a recent news article (translation below) shows the Uni deployed in tower formation, split in half. Nicely done! Congratulations to Bill Middleton, a foreign service librarian with the U.S. Department of State, who spearheaded the effort to bring a Uni reading room to Almaty through a collaboration between the US Consulate in Almaty and the Children’s Library of Almaty. Uni Almaty has done great work abroad, and it has also served as a model for the Uni Project as we expand our work here in NYC to help other organizations develop and operate pop-up installations around books and learning.

One of the inspirations for the original Uni was the Airport Library at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, an initiative of the Dutch public libraries. So I’m heading over to Twitter right now, to let @airprtlibrarian know that we’ve followed in her footsteps!

Almaty International Airport has launched a project of the U.S. Consulate General “Mobile Library Uni” (translation via Google Translate.)

LONDON. March 12. KAZINFORM – The U.S. Consulate General in Almaty and the State Children’s Library S. Begalina announce the launch of the “Mobile Library Uni” at the international airport south of the capital. Almaty Airport is the second place after the shopping center this year MEGA project Uni, which was originally launched in the summer and covered seven public places in Almaty.

Uni – is traveling public reading room, which has more than 500 books, from children’s books and encyclopedias to world famous novels in Kazakh, Russian and English. Mobile library books in the library were transferred to them. S.Begalina consulate general and the U.S. in Almaty. The purpose of the project – to attract readers, especially the younger generation and to increase their interest in books and reading in public.

“We were pleased with the success of the project Uni last summer in Almaty, so we continue the project this year. Uni mobile library is very easy to construct and move, and through this project we promote education and reading in public places throughout the city during the year “, – said the Consul General Michael Snowden.

Uni mobile library open to the public from 11 to 15 March, from 9:00 to 18:00 at the Almaty airport, on the second floor. This will allow passengers awaiting their flight, enjoy reading books.

Project Uni, developed in the U.S. non-profit organization Street Lab, Inc., Aims to temporarily transform the space available in the city in a public reading room, emphasizing the importance of books in their daily lives and their availability. Students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have been part of the team that developed the Uni to create mobile libraries with open shelves that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Almaty is the first city in the world outside the United States, where the project Uni will be a long time. It was first launched in the summer of 2012, and quickly attracted the interest of the public, becoming more and more popular among young readers.