Public Library Magic The Art of Story

Library and Gallery My dream public library would include juried art exhibitions that change monthly in conjunction with the local first Friday activities.

Works of Art would be accompanied by books that highlight the work Sally Mann From Lexington, Virginia Photographed her children Controversial

Displays Artist’s books and books written about the artist displayed near each work and featured throughout the library make the books easily accessible. Sally Mann, Candy Cigarette, 1989, gelatin silver print, copyright Sally Mann, courtesy of Edwynn Houk Gallery

Video If available, featuring the artist’s work through video would be ideal. The video, played silently could be displayed on a screen or projected onto a wall. (If the library owns a projector, this is a dramatic display of both the artist’s work and the documentarian.)

“ ” Sometimes I think the only memories I have are those that I’ve created around photographs of me as a child. Maybe I’m creating my own life. I distrust any memories I do have. They may be fictions, too. Sally Mann Including some quotes is not only be aesthetically pleasing, it can help the patron get to know the artist in an intimate way, without having to speak to them directly.

Relationships Connections between other artists, writers or influences can enrich the patron experience even more.

Similar Artists Displaying work throughout the library helps create visual cohesiveness. Including work from similar artists expands the patron’s view and educates about a movement, style or other important issues surrounding the work or the artist

Sally Mann’s work includes photographs taken at the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Body Farm. Want a closer look? Take a peek at the book What Remains located on the third floor. Subtlety is ok too.

The Art of Story: My Dream Library The floor plan for the interior should resemble a book store with more couches. It should be open but divided into nooks that encourage both reading and quiet contemplation as well as spaces to spark conversation or intellectual discourse. The library design scheme should be neutral enough to accommodate a myriad of styles and types of art.

How could this be a practical public library? Immersing patrons in an experience does not have to limit access to all other library services. There would still be a computer lab, a circulation area, reference material. But the arrangement would be more fluid. The furniture, shelving, displays, should all be movable to accommodate regular reconfigurations. The library arrangement of materials could be subject based with areas to include books, music, periodicals, and audiovisual content. The Library of Congress classification system is arranged categorically, this lends itself to a much more intentional placement of material than just rows and rows of shelves. What if the patron enjoyed their stay so much, they returned over and over again? Why not make the library a place of not only knowledge but beauty as well? The depth of experience could remake libraries as public space.

“ ” Hey, I wonder what’s playing at the library tonight! happy patron on a date Wouldn’t it be great for patrons to look forward to a night out at the library?

References Gloaguen, L. (2012, February 2). Journal de bord de Laurent Gloaguen. Keller, C., Blessing, J. & Bryan-Wilson, J. (2011). Francesca Woodman. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: New York Mann, S. (2010). Selected Works. Retrieved from sallymann.com Mann, S. (2000). Body Farm. Retrieved from sallymann.com Mann, S. & Price, R. (1995). Immediate Family. Aperture Foundation: New York Morrison, B. (2010, May 28). Sally Mann: The naked and the dead. The Guardian. Retrieved from guardian.co.uk Quoteman. (2013). Sally Mann. Retrieved from photoquotations.com.