The Artist's Library

May 5, 2014
Librarians Damon-Moore's and Batykefer's book is a call-to-action that re-envisions the local library and its place in the community. With "collaboration, creation, and community connection" as their core values, the authors advise artists and writers on the best ways to use the library through real life examples from around the world. They speak to many creative types about their experiences using libraries as a source of inspiration, including Jamie Powell Sheppard who photographs the historic Carnegie libraries and Chris Gaul, creator of multimedia pieces in which visitors to the University of Technology-Sydney's library can use hi-fi tuners and rotary phones to listen to books. The authors note the importance of libraries as community spaces for readings, exhibitions, and performances, like Brandon Monokian's "Page to Stage" program at New Jersey's Princeton Public Library. A variety of exercises are designed to prompt artist creativity such as choosing books based on color, flipping through an "unusual dictionary," or branching out into unexplored shelves as a means of intellectual discovery. For those working on more concrete research-oriented projects, the authors have tips on engaging with digital collections and asking reference librarians for assistance. They also offer advice on getting involved at the library, either recreationally or professionally, pointing out many resources available for small business owners. This is a fun and accessible guide, particularly for young readers who may not be aware of everything the library has to offer.

April 1, 2014
Librarians Damon-Moore and Batykefer show how libraries are more than just places to shelve books. Founders of the Library as Incubator Project in Madison, Wis., the authors conceive the library as "a one-stop shop--a place where a broad variety of creative lifelong learners, artists of all kinds, and librarians could gather to share ideas about programs that support hands-on creativity." The Incubator Project believes that "a library isn't just about things--like books, databases, magazines, and free tax forms--it's about people." Their ideal library would welcome knitters, crafters, musicians, filmmakers and photographers, as well as readers, all of whom would be nurtured by the special ambience. Interviews with poets, teachers, actors, researchers and artists working in a variety of media are followed by exercises that encourage readers to think imaginatively: "The library is alive, and you are listening to its heartbeat. Record your ideas in a notebook." Mostly, Damon-Moore and Batykefer focus on public libraries geared to general-interest readers, but their project is applicable to specialized and university libraries, as well. One artist, working at the National Library of Australia, Canberra, finds historical artifacts there that she interprets in her drawings. Recently, for example, she discovered 18th-century medallions commemorating the voyage of Capt. James Cook. "I am interested in how events and ideas of the past have influenced and persist within current cultural preoccupations," she says. Another artist decided to illustrate every page of Finnegan's Wake, a book, he decided, "that would really benefit from illumination." Besides inspiring particular artists, libraries can serve as showcases for the arts: mounting exhibitions, hosting readings and book signings, staging performances and concerts, and providing a communal space for artists to work collaboratively. This quirky and imaginative book celebrates individuals' potential for creativity and libraries as vital and vibrant community resources.

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April 1, 2014

Librarians Damon-Moore and Batykefer (cofounders, with Christina Endres, Librarian as Incubator Project [LaIP]) have succeeded in producing a guide that benefits artists, librarians, and all creative learners. Libraries and the people who work in and visit them can be an immense resource for building and inspiring creativity, no matter the media in which one works. The authors explore how the institution's materials, the space, the staff, and the patrons can be valuable to assisting any artistic pursuit. The book details creative research, e.g., artists discuss the benefits to browsing the online catalog, digital collections, and the stacks for a specific project. Sample exercises will motivate learners to take a second look at their neighborhood libraries and use them in new ways. Reference librarians will enjoy suggesting this read to their curious patrons as well as to arts organizations that currently have little or no involvement with libraries. Programming librarians and staff who are tasked with forming tighter community relationships will find a plethora of suggestions for projects that work. VERDICT Librarians who wish to make their library the connecting point between artists and the community should purchase. Perfect for brainstorming planning guides, this book is a permission slip to have fun at the library. [The authors were chosen LJ 2014 Movers & Shakers for their work with LaIP (LJ 3/15/14, p. 34).--Ed.]--Kendra Auberry, Indian River State Coll. Lib., Port St. Lucie, FL

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