How often do you hear about libraries investing in high art? Not so much, which is why I had to write a post about it.

Walnut Creek (CA) Public Library made news when they installed 17 pieces of art for about $300,000. One of the items is this super tall piece (26 feet!) by the artist Christian Moeller, titled “Shh…A Portrait in 12 Volumes of Gray,” made with 3,960 books in 12 shades of gray.

It’s really inspiring when libraries broaden their scope and purpose. Libraries are not just book depositories — they’re the cultural and educational centers of communities. The library should be a free art museum, free school, free activity center, and — whatever the community needs, really.

You can read @issue’s piece on “The New Library” — a non-library perspective on the changing scope of libraries.