A place-based initiative in Westchester County brought to you by Metropolitan New York Library Council
New perspectives on the field
The Library Field is a place to deepen our relationships—between institutions, communities, and individuals—and the earth. By probing the ways that we choose to observe, record, organize, access, and preserve the natural world, we have the opportunity to think critically about our role in natural systems and advance the field of librarianship.
Prioritizing relationality over extraction invites new ways of understanding
Cultural stewardship
Developing tools, practices, and frameworks that celebrate the dynamism of culture and place while thinking critically about traditional forms of documentation and preservation.
Climate justice
Understanding and mitigating climate change is an essential but insufficient step towards ensuring a safe and vibrant future for all of Earth’s inhabitants.
Cultivating awareness & solidarity
Self-actualization requires developing relationships beyond humans and the constructed world; movement towards building empathy with all things.
Growing through concentric connection with partners both local and global
METRO
METRO works to create a sustainable culture of creativity, collaboration, and open exchange for libraries, archives, museums, and cultural institutions in the Metropolitan New York region and around the world. We accomplish our mission through leadership, grantmaking, resource sharing, professional learning, research, technology services, creative practice, and more.
Spirit of Interrogation
Commitment to networked knowledge
Supportive yet self-guided environment
Perpetually evolving
The Library Field wants to know what you hope from a shared outdoor space organized by New York City and Westchester County libraries.
2024
- Find facilitator / other consultants
- Identify focus groups, key stakeholders / categories
- Find 3-4 locations for events
2025
- Determine permanent location?
- Hire engineer/architect?
- Hire builder?
2026
- Hire field director?
- Light construction (bathrooms, covered meeting areas, trail maintenance, parking)?
- Participatory design and ongoing programming?
What's Next?
Imagine the field
Inspiration
Centering time / designing for the continuum
Minimally-invasive design / co-existence
New perspectives / questioning assumptions
Credits
Photos
- Anythink Libraries
- Brooklyn Public Library
- Aarhus Public Libraries
- Eugenia Cheskidova
- Free Forest School
- Froghouse
- John Thomas
- Matt Palmer
- Northern Onondaga Public Library