A GIANT PHOTO ALBUM
FEATURING THE COMMUNITY OF THE IVES MAIN LIBRARY
A GIANT PHOTO ALBUM
COMMUNITY SELF-PORTRAITS
A GIANT PHOTO ALBUM FEATURING THE COMMUNITY OF THE IVES MAIN BRANCH OF NEW HAVEN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
COPYRIGHT © 2026 THE GIANT ROOM
INTRODUCTION
Something oh, so wonderful is happening in this community photo album! Our self-portraits are getting mixed and remixed into a deck of collectible polaroid trading cards that we can use to celebrate, learn about, and connect with our community!
We are extremely honored to partner with Connecticut State Libraries and bring GIANT creative STEM experiences to the Connecticut community at the Ives Main Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library. We implemented a Remix Station with children’s librarian, Matt Ulman.
Around 10 participants sketched, described, dreamed, created, and shared. Here, we have “remixed” their self-portraits into a one-of-a-kind set, inviting all kids (and adults) to collect the polaroid trading cards of their fellow community members and flip through the photo album to learn how each one contributes to the community, what values are important to them, and what badge of honor they wear proudly. Participants are also encouraged to sign their autograph on their spread directly in this photo album.
I want to thank the librarians and staff from the New Haven Free Public Library for their partnership. Funding for this program was made possible by the Connecticut State Library and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Let’s meet the community!
Azi Jamalian Founder of The GIANT Room
Community Self-Portraits Station at Ives Main Library
The mission given to the communityat the station
OF COMMUNITY THE
THE LIBRARY
Miriam’s Autograph
Powers:
Spreading love and kindness. Designing awesome outfits and art.
Values:
Kindness
Creativity
FRIEND
’sAutograph
Friend
FRIEND
p g p p
Helping people cook and bake.
Values:
Friendship
Curiosity
Focus
HANNAH
Hannah’s
Autograph
Age: 7
FRIEND
’sAutograph
Friend
Helping Powers: Me My friends My family Values:
FRIEND
THECARINGBADGE
LEA-LEA (LELE)
Lele’sAutograph
LEA-LEA (LELE)
Age: 32
THELEADERBADGE
LIBRARIAN MATT
LibrarianMatt’s Autograph
Age: 6 owl years
Powers:
Helping kids read, learn, and discover.
Values:
Kindness
Curiosity
Literacy
FRIEND
Friend’s Autograph
FRIEND
Powers:
THECARINGBADGE
Values: Making people smile Being brave and trying new adventures
Adventure Confidence
TINK
Tink’sAutograph
Powers:
Helping
Values:
FRIEND
Friend’s Autograph
FRIEND
TH RIEND
Big imagination
Creating cool ideas and sharing them with others
Values:
NAME:
DRAW A SELF-PORTRAIT
AGE:
POWERS: VALUES:
AWARD YOURSELF WITH A COMMUNITY BADGE
NAME:
AGE:
DRAW A SELF-PORTRAIT
POWERS:
AWARD YOURSELF WITH A COMMUNITY BADGE
NAME:
DRAW A SELF-PORTRAIT
AGE:
POWERS:
A
VALUES:
Choose one.
NAME:
AGE:
DRAW A SELF-PORTRAIT
POWERS: VALUES:
AWARD YOURSELF WITH A COMMUNITY BADGE
DRAW A SELF-PORTRAIT NAME:
AGE:
POWERS:
AWARD YOURSELF WITH A COMMUNITY BADGE
A GIANT THANK YOU TO THE NEW HAVEN
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, THE KIDS, FAMILIES, AND GIANT TEAM MEMBERS WHO MADE THIS PUBLICATION POSSIBLE.
Concept & Planning
Design & Development
Azadeh Jamalian, PhD
Matt Ulman
Rebecca Schifilliti
Rama Deshpande
Paulina Quezada M.
Maria Eugenia Segovia
Paulina Quezada M.
Rama Deshpande
Mariana Hartwell
Aaron Toplin
Rebecca Schifilliti
GIANT
Participants
Miriam, Hannah, Lea-Lea (Lele),
Librarian Matt, Tink, and others
A B O U T
The GIANT Room
The GIANT Room is a creative co-design lab that provides opportunities for children, families, and educators to collaborate with designers, policymakers, scientists, artists, and engineers.
In addition, on our GIANT Remix platform, we provide opportunities for children to co-design and co-publish books and games they can read and play with their friends and family.
A GIANT PHOTO ALBUM
COPYRIGHT © 2026