Things From Future Libraries
Welcome
Welcome to the archive of SPLAT’s 2023 Things from Future Libraries event at the Idaho Library Association conference! This event was adapted, prototyped, and run by staff from the Idaho Commission for Libraries and members of the Special Project Library Action Team (SPLAT).
This preconference was a design jam and creative gathering like no other! Participants came together to transform everyday objects into unique “artifacts” that represent services and borrowable items from libraries of the future. They provoked, amused, and inspired one another through the power of imagination and storytelling — all while developing skills in thinking about the future. Participants gained practical experience in design thinking, problem-solving, and envisioning the future. We moved towards the future we want, and not the one we might feel stuck with!
We’ve collected information from different libraries from the future and the objects, services, and programs they offer to their communities. Scroll through this page or click the buttons below to learn about the future library that each group created.
This event was adapted by from Situation Lab’s Futures Bazaar by Deana Brown and Annie Gaines.
The Museum of True & Accurate History
In a Noir future, characterized by suspicion, social stratification, secrets, government corruption, information control, poor education, and a lack of personal freedom, there exists a library called the Museum of True and Accurate History. This library supports its community by creating hope, supporting intellectual freedom, and addressing gaps in technology access. One issue facing the library’s community is a restrictive and corrupt government, and to address this the library offers a deprogramming helmet, expressive art classes, and take-home hydroponic gardens.
Library Program
Name: Mental Health Art
Description: We offer discrete art classes where people can spend time together, venting and channeling their frustration into art.
Who is it for? Patrons, dissenters, free thinkers, rebels, dreamers, storytellers, truth seekers
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? No snitches, don’t curtail creativity, solicited feedback only
Library Item
Name: DIY Hydroponic Garden
Description: This kit comes with a collapsible grow lamp, hydroponic watering tube, soil, and seeds.
How is it used? Customers can take this kit home and assemble it to grow their own food, herbs, or flowers.
Who is it for? Families, chefs, gardeners, botanists, and vegetable enthusiasts
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? Bring extra food or seeds back to the library
Library Service
Name: Combination Lock to enter library
Description: This lock opens to the library proper. It is located in the “records” department of the museum. You must know the code to enter.
How is it used? Each week the combo changes. Pinch and twirl the right combo to enter.
Who is it for? Patrons, dissenters, free thinkers, rebels, dreamers, storytellers, truth seekers
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? No government, no snitches or narcs, now towing the party line
Library Item
Name: Deprogram/Reprogram Helmet
Description: Mitigates government propaganda. Also downloads books/information/art/music directly into patron’s brains.
How is it used? Fit it on your head, select item from green panel, relax.
Who is it for? Patrons, disenters, free thinkers, rebels, dreamers, storytellers, truth seekers
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? In-house use only. 1 downloaded item per day
These things from a future library were imagined, designed, and prototyped by Linda, Cindy, Maggie, Simon, and Rebekah.
Re-Wilding Humanitarian Library
In a Wild future, characterized by post-catastrophic climate change and elevated sustainable technology, there exists a library called Re-Wilding Humanitarian Library. This library supports their community by understanding where we came from and why conservation is important. One issue facing the library’s community is getting everyone onboard to conserve, and to address this the library has an annual festival to introduce and educate the population.
Library Service
Name: Talkbox & Shello Machine
Description: The Talkbox is the library’s communication tool, used for sharing information with the community over an intercom system through the Shello Crab Claws. The Shello Crab also works as a two-way radio; patrons can communicate their requests to library staff.
Who is it for? Everyone in the community will use it to communicate their needs with the library and vice versa. Library staff will use it to communicate and share community news.
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? None!
Library Item
Name: Plant Animal Gyro Meter
Description: This is a plant and animal scanner to detect current habitats to ensure sustainable cohabitation. Check this out to view an area you’re interested in growing or settling on and see what habitats currently exist in the space so you don’t displace any nature.
Who is it for? Everyone!
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? None!
Library Service
Name: Just-Add-Water GenieSaurus
Description: Collection of mini dinosaurs in a jar with their favorite shells! Just remove one or more from the jar, add a few drops of water, and they expand to full size…ready to help you with gardening, raking, tree trimming, home repairs, and more! The best part is they appear when you are in need and return themselves to the library.
Who is it for? This is for the entire community! Anyone who needs physical labor assistance.
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? Like Thor’s hammer, GenieSaurus can sense if you need help and comes to you to assist!
Library Program
Name: History’s Moistest Exotic Plant Exhibit
Description: The last-known living plant from our previous world will be used to educate our communities via library programs. Those who are lucky enough to see this plant in its original potted container will learn about history, conservation, and ancient plant life.
Who is it for? All ages will enjoy this amazingly moist and exotic plant exhibit!
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? This plant must be hermetically sealed for at least 20 hours per day in order to maintain the proper levels of moisture and oxygen.
Library Item
Name: Dorothy Detectors
Description: These shoes detect soil quality, content, and viability to see what grows best in certain areas. No need to return this item; just click the heels together 3 times and they’ll find their way home to the library! Added bonus: the Dorothy Detectors are truly one-size-fits-all, as they are able to adjust to whatever size feet are placed inside the shoes.
Who is it for? This is for anyone growing plants who wants to test a future grow site, or troubleshoot an existing problematic growing area. Patrons check out the shoes, put them them on, and then walk around their site to detect soil quality.
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? None!
Library Program
Name: Weaving 101 & Cloth Swap
Description: Do you have difficulties trying to make your own cloth? Check out our program! We’ll teach you how to use our weaving tools!
Who is it for? Anyone who needs help making clothes or fabric, and those willing to share their creativity. Also for experts in weaving, pre-made clothes swap, or lesson exchange.
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? None!
These things from a future library were imagined, designed, and prototyped by Ann, Irene, Jen, Lyn, and Mariah.
Resource Exchange Alliance
In a grassroots future, characterized by farming, education, and workforce building, there exists a library called The Resource Exchange Alliance, or, the R.E.A.
This library supports its community by commercial development and a barter/borrow system. One issue facing the library’s community is a lack of individual resources, and to address this the library has made use of a trade system in items as well as utilizing community expertise.
Library Program
Name: Permaculture for Starters
Description: Community program for learning how to grow food and plants for a group setting
Who is it for? All ages
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? You will have to come to the library to learn
Library Item
Name: Seeds and Starts
Description: Items are available to bowrrow for patrons/community members/ They can check out containers for their different items or also donate items to others with these containers.
How is it used? To help everyone have a little bit of what they need.
Who is it for? All ages
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? Patrons are only allowed one pre-set portion at a time. The preferred method of checkout is with a trade out (ex. eggs for seeds etc.)
Library Program
Name: Mentor/Community Expert (Lanyard)
Description: The mentor or community expert lanyard helps patrons identify experts for the day who are on site and available to mentor or teach.
How is it used? To help educate the community members based on their interests or needs.
Who is it for? People who volunteer their services for teaching others in the community
Any Restrictions/ Conditions? Based on mentor availability
These things from a future library were imagined, designed, and prototyped by Shasta, Rachel, Tina, Sue, Buffy, and Monique.
Are you interested in joining the Special Projects Library Action Team (SPLAT)? We’re recruiting new members! Reach out to Deana Brown, Annie Gaines, or any of the other SPLAT members for more information.
