Emily: We have most of these things here in Christchurch, although on a smaller scale. Hopefully we can entice you to New Zealand some time. You like birds, we have birds like you wouldn’t believe!

The Helsinki library is like the apotheosis of Library As Useful Public Space. I am in awe.

“Ok, let’s make a bright accessible kid-friendly space with stacks and games to check out and chess tables and a cafe on every floor and if you want a book, just go through the website and we’ll pull it out and have it ready for you!”

“Check out a musical instrument with your library card, and reserve one of our recording studios to play in!”

“This floor is the computer lab and this floor is the maker’s space. Do you want to reserve the giant vinyl cutter or the laser engraver?”

“Would you like to sew? Library card!”

I just. The glimpse of a society where you actually fund the library? Like a lot? And people USE it? It was packed!

We have most of these things here in Christchurch, although on a smaller scale. Hopefully we can entice you to New Zealand some time. You like birds, we have birds like you wouldn’t believe!

I want to visit so bad!

The con scene in New Zealand is dire. First con since 2020 is in a week. continuity2024.zohobackstage.com.au/Continuity20... But the average age goes up a year every year, I'm told. If this one does well, might be more.

Continuity 2024 - The Concontinuity2024.zohobackstage.com.au 2024 National Science Fiction Convention

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