Occupy Wall Street Library

For the past month or so, I've been following news about the Occupy Wall Street Library The existence of the library fascinates me because of the way the OWS library exemplifies the model of libraries adapting to serve the needs of their specific community while existing in a non-traditional setting outside many people's expectations. Most people think of libraries as buildings; this library shows you don't need one.  While in Zuccotti park, the library contained over 5,000 books, with a reference section and an exchange section.  This included a number of books on economic and political theory, important resources for protesters.  The library had laptops for members to use.  It's even started to become a maker's space. 

As many of you know, most of the OWS library was destroyed last week, including most of the books and all of the laptops.  The destruction of the library's materials is tragic and heinous.  But the library has already started rebuilding.  The Occupy Library can be taken as an example of libraries' resilience in the face of adversity.