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!

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

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

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

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

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

Using a flow chart to identify ants under the microscope.

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

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

Uni Corona, Queens

Solved in Queens. Pride.

Uni Corona, Queens

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…)

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

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

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

These sisters collected two ants for identification.

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

Uni Corona, Queens

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

Uni Corona, Queens

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

Uni Corona, Queens

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.