First Multiple Intelligences Library

I just picked up the December issue of School Library Journal and came across a very interesting article.  I first focused on it because my sister is an interior designer and I thought she might find this idea intriguing and of course because it has to do with libraries, I had to read it too.  The article was entitled, “A Meeting of the Minds: How the First Multiple Intelligences Library Embraces Diverse Styles of Learning” written by Sarah Bayliss.  The article goes into depth about a private school library in St. Louis, Missouri which was designed based around renowned psychologist, Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence (MI) theory.  You can actually learn more about their library from their website.

The library is designed in a former 3,900 square foot gymnasium and combines the different MI principles into a cohesive library where students can find a place where they feel comfortable.  A Fibonacci spiral is painted on the common space floor, space for kids to work by performing skits, playing board games, reading alone, or classifying books or art collections are all ways in which kids can experience the library in a way that makes sense for them.

This is definitely a fascinating idea and I really enjoyed seeing how the architect was able to incorporate the MI principles in a very open and organic way.  It’s amazing to me that these ideas are finally becoming more popular.  Children learn in so many different ways and I think a library that can incorporate that feel and help children fell more comfortable is a great thing!  I would love to take a tour of this library and learn more…maybe someday!