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 at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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.

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

 

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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.

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Photo: Emily Jacobson.

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Volunteers Leigh and Emily made it happen today. Thanks!

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Photo: Emily Jacobson.

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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

Uni at Rockaways, April 13, 2013

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!