LINC Library Innovation Center NOW OPEN!
LINC, Library Innovation Center, has books and quite a few DVDs, probably more than any video rental store (if any of those are left). But saying LINC has books and movies is like saying our solar system has our moon. Matthew Hortt, the Executive Director for the High Plains Library District, calls it an “activity hub” instead of a library. The library is really just part of it.
Library Innovation Center Features:
Innovation bays — These are areas where you can build things, including crafts and woodworking, and the district plans to help Greeley’s schools and the homebuilder’s association to teach trades to students for certificates or as a start to a career. But this isn’t all work and no play: workbenches on the second floor have instructions and materials to put together a popsicle catapult!
A recording studio — This space is designed for podcasting, audio recordings and video.
Computer workstations, a 3D printer and engraver
A theater — There’s a small stage that could also work as a performance hall. The library may even consider hosting wedding events in this space.
Art wraps its way around all these elements and the library itself. There will be a gallery for local artists along with the places to create your own art. But you’ll find art predominately in the places designed for children, including a library for them, and former Greeley resident and world-renowned artist Wes Bruce built an art installation with water as the theme.
The installation is really a playground for both kids and adults (yay!), but if you can pull yourself away, you can play with what may be the world’s largest Lite-Brite, a wind tunnel or a paper airplane launcher.
LINC Library Innovation Center Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday/Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
LINC is located at the site of the old Greeley Tribune building: 501 8th Ave. Greeley, CO 80631
Article by Dan England