"Current parks-libraries partnerships are relatively tenuous and
unsystematic. Traditional institutional self-identities and definitions
compound the effect of other barriers, such as professional protocols,
that isolate staff and keep people within their boxes and individual
funding streams. Too often parks and libraries compete with each other
for funds instead of looking at collaborative ways to solve citywide
issues and encourage development."
. -Libraries of the Future
Eli Neiburger, deputy director Ann Arbor District Library which offers a Unusual Stuff to Borrow Collection
Ann Arbor District Library
Usage Statistics of Recreation Equipment 4/2/2015
Number In Use % In use
Tumbler Tower 4 4 100%
Marble Bowl 5 5 100%
Giant Checkers 2 2 100%
Mini Ping Pong 5 4 80%
Kubb 5 0 0%
Skittles 5 4 80%
Rollors 4 2 50%
Two way radios 3 3 100%
Metal Detector 4 4 100%
Giant Dominoes 4 4 100%
Robin Bolewski of the Marcellus Free Library. told me something to the effect that when she first broached the idea of a Little Free Library in the town park, the parks dept said “No Way”. The library director then brought the idea to “their boss”, the town council who said great idea, lets do it. After the Little Free Library(above) was implemented in Marcellus Park, this had "broken the ice" and other cooperation between Marcellus Park and the Marcellus Free Library is now occurring.
The mission of libraries has historically been for learning and the mission of parks has been for recreation. By allowing parks and libraries to support each other in their missions residents of our community can greatly benefit.
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