TED: How to design a library that makes kids want to read | Michael Bierut

A designer shares his experience working with Robin Hood to improve NYC school libraries. Initially tasked with designing a logo, he becomes involved in a larger project that includes creating murals and collaborating with artists. The initiative revitalizes libraries, impacting students and librarians positively. The story highlights the power of unintended consequences and the importance of design in educational spaces.

What was the primary reason the speaker was hired by Robin Hood?

• To help improve school libraries

• To organize a fundraising event

• To create a new educational curriculum

• To design a new school building

What was the main idea behind the Library Initiative?

• To hire more teachers

• To provide free books to students

• To renovate one room in each school

• To build new schools

Which of the following was NOT one of the speaker's logo options?

• The Reading Room

• OWL

• The Red Zone

• The Book Nook

What was the unexpected challenge faced during the logo rollout?

• High ceilings in the libraries

• Difficulty in designing the logo

• Lack of funding for the project

• Resistance from school principals

Who was the first artist involved in creating murals for the libraries?

• Lynn Pauley

• Dorothy, the speaker's wife

• Charles Wilkin

• Rafael Esquer

What was the main purpose of the murals in the libraries?

• To create a heroic atmosphere

• To cover up damaged walls

• To display famous authors

• To advertise the Library Initiative

Which artist created collages for the library murals?

• Charles Wilkin

• Maira Kalman

• Stefan Sagmeister

• Christoph Niemann

What was the speaker's role in the mural project?

• Designing the murals

• Painting the murals

• Selecting the artists

• Providing dimensions for the artworks

What was the librarian's special way of turning off the lights?

• Turning off lights in a random order

• Leaving the light on the kids' faces last

• Leaving the light on the books last

• Turning off all lights at once

What was the unintended positive consequence of the Library Initiative?

• Increased funding for schools

• A generation of children inspired by books

• More libraries built in New York

• Recognition for the speaker's design work