My plans for the end of September were to present my artists’ books to libraries in Pennsylvania.
The first visit was to the Special Collections Research Center of the Charles Library of Temple University in Philadelphia. The library had completely been reconstructed by the AD100 architectural firm Snøhetta. This space echoes Snøhetta’s completed work at the Calgary Library in Alberta, Canada. The Charles Library is filled with a variety of specialized and innovative spaces providing a gateway to Temple’s campus.
© 2019 Michael Grimm. Outside the Charles Library, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Standing in front of the Charles Library, I was amazed at the soaring cedar-clad roof that continues throughout the inner atriums. The unique architecture made me pause at the information desk. I was gobsmacked at the building’s unique structure and the number of students engaged in flexible multipurpose rooms, reading areas, and study spaces giving them access to knowledge and technology.
© 2019 Michael Grimm. Inside view of the Charles Library, Temple University.
I was escorted through the « pièce de résistance » — the grand entrance, a three-story, domed atrium to the Special Collection Research Center on the first floor — an inspirational environment. Special Collection Research Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible primary resources and rare or unique materials, to stimulate, enrich, and support research, teaching, learning, and administration at Temple University.
Before entering enthusiastically into my appointment with Margery N. Sly, the librarian in charge of acquiring artists’ books, I spotted an exhibition filled with book arts reflecting the theme of architecture, celebrating the current facilities. I viewed books by Julie Chen, Brian Dettmer, Colette Fu, Malini Gupta, Guy Himber, Emily Martin, Carol Schwartzott, Jana Sim, and Thomas Parker Williams.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. Exhibition at the Special Collection Research Center of the Charles Library, Temple University.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. Ashima by Colette Fu part of the exhibition at the Special Collection Research Center.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. left: The Gist of Romeo and Julier by Emily Martin, right: A Brief History of the Fan by Carol Schwartzott at the Special Collection Research Center.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. Language Möbius by Jana Sim at the Special Collection Research Center.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. Spiral Dome Sculpture in Paper and Steel by Thomas Parker Williams at the Special Collection Research Center.
![© 2019 Louise Levergneux. [Material in the tissue spaces] by Brian Dettmer at the Special Collection Research Center.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/522e4cfde4b0f3d0e82feb62/1574711388657-WZS0OK336SR3VPE3HNBV/009+Brian+Dettmer%2C+%5BMaterial+in+the+tissue+spaces%5D+2015+Temple-Exhibition136DSC08990.jpg)
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. [Material in the tissue spaces] by Brian Dettmer at the Special Collection Research Center.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. Clock Work Fish by Guy Himber part of the exhibition at the Special Collection Research Center.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. The Fortune Teller by Malini Gupta at the Special Collection Research Center.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. Chrysalis by Julie Chen at the Special Collection Research Center.
My experience went beyond my interaction and presentation to Margery; I felt enveloped by art. Margery was a very approachable librarian who expressed considerable interest in artists’ books. I’m thrilled to announce that Finding Home, A Day Filled with Onomatopoeias, and Earth.15 (Outside the Studio) are now part of Special Collections Research Center of the Charles Library of Temple University.
© 2016 Louise Levergneux. Finding Home, a visual narrative on being unsettled in an environment— to find a sense of place, a sense of belonging.
© 2013 Louise Levergneux. A Day Filled with Onomatopoeias (book and audio), is an interactive book based on the word onomatopoeia and it’s definition.
© 2012 Louise Levergneux. Earth.15 part of the series Outside the Studio, a photographic documentation and a study in movement and time featuring the four basic elements published in a weekly edition.
My subsequent visit was the McCabe Library of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore. Amy McColl, Head of Collections provided explicit instructions to the library making it a pleasant introduction to the campus. Most librarians I have encountered provide a visual characterization of the library; Amy’s description was a fun and surprising one “the building looks sort of like a fortress” she naturally added in her email. At my arrival I was delightfully surprised by the architecture, it does look like a Medieval Castle outside and inside. With great astonishment the building is referred to as “The Cage,” McCabe Library inspires a wide range of feelings among the student body, many of which are far from positive. Though, I enjoyed the cozy feeling of the atrium, its stone walls and dim lighting seemed to set a claustrophobic mood, but the atmosphere does not transfer to the librarians.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. McCabe Library, Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.
© 2019 Louise Levergneux. The main lobby of the McCabe Library, Swarthmore College.
Swarthmore College is home to a vibrant and continually growing collection of contemporary artists' books. The Book Arts and Private Press Collection is committed to the acquisition of fine printing and artists' books and endeavours to represent all aspects of the physical book including bookbinding, typography, letterpress and offset printing, hand paper-making, illustration, and book design.
After a very up-beat dialogue with both Amy and Susan Dreher, my artists’ books Traverse, Parade, and City Shields (Pennsylvania volume) have fortunately found a new home in the Special Collection of the Rare Book Room in McCabe Library. These join four flip books: Air.10, Earth 16, Fire.3, H2O.11 (Outside the Studio) already collected through Vamp and Tramp in 2018.
© 2015 Louise Levergneux. Traverse, a documentation on the artist’s annual trip across the country to her home town of Gatineau, Québec, Canada.
© 2014 Louise Levergneux. Parade, presents the strange and intriguing scene of empty chairs waiting for the owner that will be curb side when the parade begins.
© 2008 Louise Levergneux. City Shields, Pennsylvania Vol US6: No 1. A photographic documentation using manhole covers to depict exploration of geographical locations along the artist's life journey.
This brings me to a sad moment for the community, as I convey my sincere condolences for the profound loss of Bill Stewart of Vamp & Tramp, Booksellers at the beginning of November. Bill, with his wife Vicky, were very instrumental in introducing my artists’ books to Special Collections of university libraries in the United States. I will always be appreciative for his demanding work, dedication, and professionalism. Bill will be sorely missed.
