That they are filled with books and other references for research and study is an established thing. However, many people have found other uses for public libraries…and they range from strange to humorous. Today, we list down three of the most unusual uses for public libraries.
1. As a skateboarding or BMX ramp.
This video is of BMX flatland biker Matt Wilhelm doing a demonstration on his bike for kids at the Gail Borden Public library. It is one of those library activities you may not typically see on a regular day, but since Matt’s personal advocacy is anti-bullying, it is welcomed with open arms and doors by the public library, which generously lent its carpeted lobby for the occasion.
Too often, the steps and ramps of public libraries (even the hand rails, as these make for ideal “grind” tricks by bikers) become favorite obstacles of BMX-ers and skaters, but of course, we highly doubt if it gets approval from those running the public libraries.
2. As a dance hall.
Public library dance, Dance Dance Evolution at the Toronto Public Librar…—Josephers (Flickr.com)
Let’s face it, public libraries have some of the biggest floor areas in town. And big floor areas are what dances need! It doesn’t matter if it’s ballroom or salsa or a ho-down or, as depicted above, a sychronized group dance, what it needs is space, space, and more space to cut a rug. During nights and off days, many public libraries actually lend their floors to dances!
3. As a venue for dates.
Book love, Stop smelling the book I love you—justgrimes (Flickr.com)
Many film and television show scripts of romantic comedies have used public libraries as take-off points for the romance they want to show. Public libraries in real life have become locations for dates, albeit quiet and usually book-centered ones. If you think about it, what else makes for a better date than a quiet and cool place, softly lit and surrounded by tall shelves for privacy, where you have to whisper in your date’s ear to be heard? Best of all—it’s free!
Public libraries have been around for a long time, giving people the opportunity to learn new things on their own and to discover worlds between bound pages during long quiet hours of reading. However, as time goes on, they will come to serve many other purposes, and in so doing, can help enrich people’s lives in creative, colorful ways beyond its card catalogues and book shelves.
