I agreeto Idea Convert libraries to Innovation Co-working Incubators
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Convert libraries to Innovation Co-working Incubators

At present our public libraries have been rendered mostly irrelevant. Aside from helping those without technology access and providing an after school safe haven for "lock key kids," their usefulness is limited. But it doesn't need to that way.

Imagine libraries being a place where entrepreneurs and students could collaborate. Create "incubation pods" in libraries complete with technology and business support material as well as librarians that act as research experts to support these collaborative efforts.

Also make these "pods" socially outfitted as well complete with a coffee shop like feel. The social aspect could even be privately sponsored.

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Submitted by Clay Forsberg 2 years ago

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Comments (8)

  1. Kathleen Rose

    Great idea - they can also be useful as Job Centers, since many WIBs are not making any meaningful impact with workforce development.

    2 years ago
    0
  2. Derek Lyman

    Libraries need cafes with coffee and food.

    And they need WAY better hours (this mean late).

    Other than that, it sounds cool.

    If you build it, they will come...

    2 years ago
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  3. Clay Forsberg Idea Submitter

    Derek, you made two excellent comments. Incorporating a cafe setting not only will increase participation, but also opening the up the potential for a library being co-sponsored, reducing the public outlay.

    And second - the hours issue goes without saying. If you want the younger generation (Gen Y), which will be running this country very soon, you have to be tuned into their needs and wants ... which is staying awake till all hours in the morning :-)

    2 years ago
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  4. Guido Stein

    In Boston there are library buildings sitting empty that would be better used as a co-working space.

    I think that co-working could provide great use of existing facilities and infrastructure already in place with Libraries. I also think that this would create a great revenue stream for libraries and would capitalize on their core mission, which is about community and sharing of of knowledge, not just storage of books.

    2 years ago
    0
  5. Gerard Peregrin

    See http://bit.ly/h7iIEI

    2 years ago
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  6. Gerard Peregrin

    See http://bit.ly/h7iIEI

    2 years ago
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  7. Liz DeBagara

    The District of Columbia already has this program in place at the MLK location downtown.

    2 years ago
    0
  8. jives

    I disagree. Governments should not be involved with incubators. Leave this to the private sector. If a library is no longer useful in a community. Shut it down, sell the land and building and use the proceeds to reduce taxes business use/property taxes.

    2 years ago
    0