29 May Five fantastically replicable ideas from NEXT Library 2025

Sharing ideas is vital, especially when confronted by difficult problems. It sounds corny given our company name but we experience this truth often, especially at NEXT Library 2025 in Aarhus. We were there sharing our toolkit for building skills to think about the future – or “futures literacy”, and we came back with dozens of replicable ideas. Some are more complex than others, but here are five that are simple and replicable. Every one of them can attract more library users, generate more impact, build important knowledge, and create more joy.

Data gems – learning about data without the tech: PLIX is the Public Library Innovation Exchange which is part of MIT in Massachusetts. They have designed readymade materials for running library-based children’s activities about information and data science but with craft materials instead of computers. I learned how to make a data capture device using beads – my device was for tracking how many cups of water I have drunk today. They also run free webinars to support librarians to use the materials. As a parent the idea of teaching the fundamentals of data and information science without a digital screen is fantastic, and it fits with how children nowadays start learning about instructional coding also without a computer, by giving each other instructional sequences on the playground (“forward two, left 90, forward one etc”).

Requirements: bead-making kit, downloadable instruction sheets, interest in data and information science.

The SDG LAB: This is a corner of Aarhus Library focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a physical space with books and other materials plus demonstrations exhibits about re-use, repair and food growing. It is part of Aarhus Library’s strategic mission “public participation as democratic infrastructure”. The space is large enough for about 10 people and is used for regular activities related to carbon transition and reducing energy use. When not used this way is used by other visitors as a very pleasant plant-filled study and reading corner. But I am sure some of those other visitors end up flicking through the books, reading about the exhibits, and learning something new about reducing energy use.

Requirements: books and resources about sustainable development, living plants, horticultural knowledge.

LEGO Build the Change: This is a global programme and set of resources from the LEGO Foundation (25% of the profits of global LEGO sales help fund the Foundation). Build the Change is a public library programme that enables children and families to use LEGO to represent how they would like the world to be in future. It is based on a structured framework of learning through play LEGO has library partners around the world but only one in the UK – Tower Hamlets – and they are always seeking to expand their network. Libraries can use LEGO’s resource packs without becoming an official partner, but partner libraries like Tower Hamlets get access to amazing extra resources and connections to a global network.

Requirements: LEGO bricks, downloadable resources, ideas about the future of your community.

Playing With The Sun: This is the brainchild of one of the founders of Scratch (the educational coding language used in most schools). It’s all about solar energy and looks like a Meccano set (remember those), but all the pieces (including mini motors and solar panels) can be purchased from electronics shops or made using simple workshop tools – or a Makerspace if you have one nearby. It enables learners of all ages to understand the basics of solar energy and also encourages creativity, trying out new combinations of motors and moving parts, or messing around with shadows to increase or decrease the amount of solar energy hitting the little solar panels. Alongside the technical learning and play, it also helps open up questions about carbon transition and different types of energy too.

Requirements: Pre-prepared construction kit, or parts made and purchased yourself, plus curiosity about solar energy and electronics.

The St Helens Great Potato Festival: This is right here from the UK. St Helens Library Service has a strong reputation for inclusive arts and culture stretching back several years but they can still pull out a surprise. Their Great Potato Festival was created by their Arts In Libraries team  (Rebecca Ainsworth and Kevin Dyer) in 2024. It began as a small community spud growing project celebrating the humble potato. Each person who took part received 4 seed potatoes which they were asked to plant in any available space – while reading a poem specially written by Kevin. The library service was overwhelmed by volunteers asking to plant spuds and read poetry to them. When the spuds had grown they were all harvested for the Great Potato Festival meal with dancing, more poetry, potato printing, and a potato-powered electric keyboard.

Requirements: Seed potatoes (4 per participant), poetry, creative ideas for using and eating potatoes, community hall for event.

If you want to know more about any of these ideas but cannot find the details you need, just email us at ben.lee@sharedintelligence.net and we can put you in touch.