This paper was presented at the IFLA Pre-Conference satellite at Turin, Italy on 19 Aug 2009 by Damien Wang. The ‘UnLibrary’ was a social experiment by the National Library Board (NLB), Singapore, to prototype a participatory ‘library within a library’. Envisioned by an iconic theatrical personality, shaped by a team of volunteers, and evolved by library users through interactive exhibits and programmes which function as ‘conversations’ between the library and its community, this ‘library takeover’ project went beyond the manipulation of the ‘UnLibrary’ space, as it also involves the manipulation of everyone’s ideas and feedback into user theatre improvisations which were performed during the ‘UnLibrary Weekend’. In all, the UnLibrary installations received a total of 26,742 visitors from 1 Apr to 18 May 2009.

1. IFLA Satellite @ Torino, Italy 19-21 Aug 2009 The UnLibrary: library within a library

3. Manifestions of UnLibrary Subvert Spaces: Modular Library Subvert Senses: Experience Library Subvert Collections: Beyond Books Subvert Purpose: Up is Down & Black is White Biblio Metro (SMRT = PLS?) Outdoor Experience Sensory Experience (Cerritos Lib) Artistic Experience Borrow a Person Borrow Toys / Clothes Library as Playground Library as Hotel/Retreat Library as Shopping Mall Library as Nightspot 24/7 libraries Manga cafes

4. UnLibrary applied to Programmes Designed by creative volunteers Envisioned by Personality (Alvin) UnLibrary Evolved by visitors Deconstruction of Alvin + Artistic Direction Installation & Happenings Reconstruction: Inspiration for next project

9. The Workshops photos

10. Design Process Deconstruction of Iconic Personality Design proposals Selection criteria & constraints Construction by vendor Content population Public showcase @ EPPL: 1 Apr to 18 May @ GEPL: 19 May to 12 Jun @ JRL: 13 Jun to 11 Aug Concepts Ideas for improvs Visitors’ inputs e.g. Quotations & feedback UnLibrary Weekend Performances (Apr) Scripts Awakened interests Drama Improv Group formed (UnHeroes @ GEPL – Jun ) Core Team (14 pax) Volunteer actors (40 pax) Hardware Software Key: Roving Exhibition @ NTU ADM Library 11 Aug to 18 Sep

16. Centre Stage UnLibrary Hardware (1)

17. Centre Stage UnLibrary Hardware (1)

18. Centre Stage UnLibrary Hardware (1)

19. Centre Stage UnLibrary Hardware (1)

20. Big Panel Books UnLibrary Hardware (2) The Big Books

21. Big Panel Books UnLibrary Hardware (2) The Big Books

22. The Big Books UnLibrary Hardware (2)

23. Alternative Furniture Cluster UnLibrary Hardware (3)

24. Parasitic Shelves Fits into existing shelves .Weight of books still rests on library shelves. UnLibrary Hardware (4)

25. Parasitic Shelves UnLibrary Hardware (4)

26. Alvin’s Personal Showcase UnLibrary Hardware (5)

27. The Cuboids UnLibrary Hardware (6)

28. The Cuboids UnLibrary Hardware (6)

29. Quote Trees UnLibrary Hardware (7) Draft 1 (Clouds) Draft 2 (Trees)

33. UnLibrary Software The softer aspects of the UnLibrary fell under two categories: (a) the reflective elements which were intended to challenge perceptions about libraries (b) the performative elements which culminated in the ‘UnLibrary Weekend’ on 25 th and 26 th April 2009

34. (1) Read / Don’t Read UnLibrary Software: (a) Reflective Left slot: “Return here if you LIKE it” Right slot: “Return here if you DON’T LIKE it”

35. (2) ThoughtFull Books UnLibrary Software: (a) Reflective

39. (1) ‘Borrow Alvin’ sessions UnLibrary Software: (b) Performative

40. (2) UnLibrary Weekend (25 & 26 Apr 09) UnLibrary Software: (b) Performative

43. UnHeroes: Movement programming in action

44. Thanks for listening… Comments?