As a part of my graduate assistantship with EdLab, I am researching and imagining possibilities for the creation of a play space for young children in the Learning Theater. "Read more" to check out all of the pretty pictures and thoughts we have so far. If you have any fun ideas to share, please let me know! In conversations with Luke and Brian, the concept for a cognitively enriching indoor environment has evolved into a "reading nook" that makes use of our library's stellar children's book collection and could function as an area for kids to play while their parents attend a Learning Theater event. I began by researching existing library, bookstore, and classroom spaces that combine reading, technology, early literacy skills, sensorimotor activities, and imaginative play. The Evanston Public Library in Illinois PS 94 in the Bronx Bronx Library Cardiff Library in California Kid's Republic Bookstore in Beijing 9 3/4 Bookstore in Colombia Interactive projection walls are put to great use by children's museums and libraries. Kongsberg Public Library in Norway "Connected Worlds" at the NY Hall of Science Reading nooks on Pinterest are full of little tents, kid-size "hiding" spaces, and hanging chairs. Brian suggested creating a magical zone for kids surrounding a glowing tree like the "Prayer Tree" from the movie Avatar. I love this idea, which reminded me of a Burning Man camp installation of hanging streamers that I really enjoyed. Plus, you can buy an LED Willow Tree online! "Comfort and Joy" Camp at Burning Man A similar children's reading nook at Dokk1 Public Library in Denmark Giant glowing flowers in Seoul The concept of a forest-themed reading nook turned out to be really appealing and cozy. The campfire experience would be complete with a hanging moon lamp! Also, I love glowing furniture. If you have any other avenues of inquiry to suggest, please let me know in the comments! For an overview of the hundreds of other images and articles I've collected in connection with this project, check out my Dropmark! http://ursula.dropmark.com/297202