cross-posted from: https://forum.unfinishedprojects.net/post/130
I have simply been thinking this idea through for quite some time, and wanted to put it to words partly for my own sake to organize my thoughts, but also partly because I want to put the idea out into the world and hear other's thoughts.
Libraries have a generally positive image in our societies, regardless of the political spectrum.
I think this simple fact is worth pointing out simply for a "branding" perspective. Often ideas may appear over idealistic, unrealistic, or misaligned with individual's political or economic stances. I think if it is possible to frame a new system or idea in relation to libraries, it can soften the "shock factor" of an idea that may appear idealistic to people indoctrinated into the beliefs that modern society has tricked us into thinking is the only way things can realistically be done.
Spinoffs of the traditional library are already a thing:
There are already things like tools libraries, Seed Libraries, and even anarchist ideas of a library economy.
The Idea I have been tossing around in my head:
A "Library" or "Community Center" that is actually a large outdoor space (similar to a park in a city center) that is fenced and largely consists of food producing plants (food forest/garden). This space would have many "sleeping pods" throughout the outdoor space that can be reserved by individuals (primarily to help the homeless community, but usable by anyone). In addition, there would be a small handful of cabins or cottages where the "librarians" would live on site and would act as stewards to the space (gardening, managing check-ins, ensuring the place stays clean and safe, etc.) Since the space is essentially a large gated, with a few stewards who live on property, the costs would be limited to run and manage (the stewards would be paid, and given benefits, however their housing would be covered).
The "library" could offer a variety of various services to include:
- Free food from the fruits and vegetables grown on-site
- A safe place to sleep via the various sleep pods (and public restrooms)
- Tools/equipment library - especially outdoor tools
- Seed Library for native plants of the area
- Classes on things such as gardening, uses of local herbs, crafts, etc.
Implementation
Obviously ideas are easy, and implementation is almost always the issue...but I think that is actually maybe more of my actual main point. Something so simple and not-at-all groundbreaking is seen as a utopian socialistic dream that people would likely scoff and say "well in a perfect world, yeah - but..."
But why do ideas that would obviously cause so much value for so many people have to be dismissed so quickly? I am not saying that my idea is fleshed out, or not missing key details that would need to logistically be planned out - but this isn't something that a city couldn't realistically budget for and implement. (I think that) it's that ideas like this that are too quickly dismissed, instead of actually finding what is broken with the idea and iterating on it until we find something that works. Instead we dismiss the idea and stick to the same old systems that we know don't work. And yes, I know its because big money, politics, and our whole system works to support the elite and not the majority, but to think if just one or two billionaires wanted to ACTUALLY make a difference...the things that could be accomplished. And the precedence it could set.
Well, that's all I have for my late night rant. I know my thoughts and writing were all over the place, but mostly just wanted to get my thoughts written down and see if anyone else had any thoughts on the matter. :)
#Anarchism #Capitalism #Sociology #Community #Commons