Wondering... Something novel (like this 👇) in your area of the neighborhood is exciting. I suspect it will get lots of engagement this season, but over time, it becomes old hat, and less exciting. So... Should "exhibits" like this be moved around the neighborhood instead of staying in one place? - ThreadSky

sarahmackattack.bsky.social • 1 day ago

Wondering...

Something novel (like this 👇) in your area of the neighborhood is exciting. I suspect it will get lots of engagement this season, but over time, it becomes old hat, and less exciting.

So...

Should "exhibits" like this be moved around the neighborhood instead of staying in one place?

Reposted from Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D.

Alright the Science Library is live 🫡

Comments

tychobravo.bsky.social•1 day ago

It's beautiful 🩷🩷🩷

farleykj.bsky.social•1 day ago

Someone in my town goes around painting electrical boxes with things from nature. They seem to address this particular thing (over-familiarity?) by painting new images. I.e. what was a rhinocerous beetle is now a magnificent honeybee. Keeps me surprised, for sure.

mrspither.bsky.social•1 day ago

I managed a few little free libraries for a public library. Keep the content fresh and the outside looking good and you'll have no trouble maintaining interest.
Great idea to brainstorm activities with a local business! We had one at a popular ice cream stop. They helped by keeping it neat for us.

purpurinastitch.bsky.social•1 day ago

What if instead of moving there was like… you know how mailboxes have the little flag when you have outgoing mail? Like a little “NEW STUFF FOR THE TAKING” signal of some sort

sarahmackattack.bsky.social•1 day ago

This is a good idea. Maybe make the little squid-on-sticks hold a “new items!” Sign

onbearfeet.bsky.social•1 day ago

Perhaps the little sign could change seasonally, so there's always something a little bit new to draw attention.

lgpens.bsky.social•1 day ago

This is an awesome idea!

katrinavanden.bsky.social•1 day ago

That’s a beautiful one! Maybe host it near a space like a coffee shop, a place you could occasionally host tie-in events or the occasional “ask a scientist” coffee hour?

sarahmackattack.bsky.social•1 day ago

There’s a coffee shop like. Idk a hard frisbee throw from here and I’m always dropping science lit over there. It’s one of my go-do distribution sites!

piercesmith.bsky.social•1 day ago

Or even emulating museums a bit where there’s always an exhibit in these locations but they rotate seasonally. I’d love to create something like this in my neighborhood - we have little libraries, but a garden-centric one, e.g. native plants and pollinators, seeding guides, etc. would get a lot of ❤️

mattsiegel.bsky.social•1 day ago

it might be neat if there was a swappable art piece behind the glass to keep it fresh

strangenothings.bsky.social•1 day ago

What I like about sites being registered on the little free library site is that people can find them easily, so maybe that's a consideration to take into account to get more traction.

sarahmackattack.bsky.social•1 day ago

It both is and isn't a little free library. It's shaped like one, but I don't expect people to leave stuff here really. So I worry about adding it to the Little Free Library database. Idk.

lgpens.bsky.social•1 day ago

I love the idea of a flag to show when fresh science is available. But also, depending how big the neighborhood is you’re talking about, a gotta catch ‘em all style hunt for the science box could be a fun time

lyndallcave.bsky.social•1 day ago

If it moves I think it would be better to move it quarterly AND have a li'l schedule on the side, 'cause then people can get excited, "Oh it's September the Squid Box is back!!"

But I like the idea of a flag indicating Fresh Science Stuff better than moving the box.

thelolrus.bsky.social•1 day ago

I used to live next to a house with a little free library, and I think something that really helps them attract interest is looking well-maintained. People stopped by surprisingly often even when it had been there for a while, but much less so once it looked worn.

thelolrus.bsky.social•1 day ago

Being battered by the elements is a fact of life for things that live outside, but once they get too worn-looking people tend to assume the contents aren’t being refreshed. Especially if the door latch gets broken or water is otherwise getting in.

rickdalgetty.bsky.social•1 day ago

But new little ones may discover it because their elder siblings know the way, so I appreciate your argument but I don’t think the audience remains static

jonnysywulak.bsky.social•1 day ago

I think there's only one way to find out. I can help you carry it.

mbloudoff.bsky.social•1 day ago

I’ve been stewarding our neighborhood library for a few years. I see kids and adults stopping at it all the time! I think people like the consistency of location. Never knowing what they’ll find inside is the exciting part!

minnesotamel.bsky.social•1 day ago

Yes

cindylouwhotwo.bsky.social•1 day ago

You could couple with a find us first challenge

rivikah.bsky.social•1 day ago

I think no. They need to stay still so people can find them for return visits.

cdndrgn.bsky.social•1 day ago

I would leave a note taped inside with a pencil on a string. Asking the ppl who use it 1)if the box should mobilize 2) how often? every 30/60/90 days and 3) would anyone be willing to host it
(A host would minimize risk of damage) People could sign an initial or use a tally system to make it simple

cdndrgn.bsky.social•1 day ago

If it cycles through mapped route down a street or around a small walkable neighbourhood/area it could be fun for little ones to see where it pops up next. A new host may add new science projects sheets or seasonal activities/books. I dunno. Just a thought.

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