I’m sad to discover the Chinatown Storefront Library Project after its completion, still Boston Street Lab’s latest venture is a really great example of community outreach every city can learn from. The organization aims to find ways to make city life a little more human by promoting cultural and civic programs in downtown Boston. These programs strive towards surpassing our current economic problems and creating a sustainable future for the city. Read more after the jump…
The Storefront Library occupied a vacant commercial area in Boston’s Chinatown transformed into a community mecca from October 2009 to January 2010. From story times to human development workshops, the library offered a wide range of programs in both English and Chinese. Even more amazingly, over 5000 books and 13335 volunteer hours were donated to the project.
In occurrence with their mission statement of sustainability and effective use of space, the library was created in collaboration with students in Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. Minimal furniture with maximum effect was developed to account for the needs of patrons. Take a gander through INSERT!’s blog to see more.
Check out the project’s website for some great articles on public community, shared spaces, and past events. Boston Street Lab is in the process of creating several new projects, look out for much more them in the future.
