Published by Artifice

Reading Room: New and Reimagined Libraries of the American West

Reading Room: New and Reimagined Libraries of the
American West
 documents a new generation of regional
libraries that are redefining public space in the 21st
century. With extensive photography and insightful
narratives, the book examines the library’s place and function in cities and rural communities alike.

It makes a case for the urgent need for these buildings,
which serve as part of a vital community in the post-
pandemic digital age. Bold and breathtaking
photography by award-winning architectural photographer
Lara Swimmer, is accompanied with writing by former
Architectural Record critic Laura Raskin, and a forward
by past Seattle City Librarian Marcellus Turner.

Reading Room features 25 significant new and renovated
libraries designed by a slate of nationally
recognized architects representing the
American South (Austin, Louisville, McAllen), Midwest
(Madison, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Tulsa) and West (Billings,
Juneau, Los Angeles, Missoula, Newport, Phoenix,
Portland, Seattle), and will appeal to anyone who
loves books and architecture.

AVAILABLE AT BOOKSTORES WORLDWIDE, INCLUDING:

Third Place Books (Lake Forest Park, Ravenna/Seattle, Seward Park/Seattle)

Elliott Bay Book Co (Seattle)

Peter Miller Books (Seattle)

Paper Boat Books (Seattle)

Magnolia’s Books (Seattle)

University Bookstore (Seattle)

Queen Anne Book Co. (Seattle)

Phinney Books (Seattle)

Eagle Harbor Book Co (Bainbridge Island)

Village Books (Bellingham)

Island Books (Mercer Island)

Auntie’s Books (Spokane)

Powell’s Books (Portland)

Country Bookshelf (Bozeman, MT)

Book Events

March 14th, 2024;                                                                              Design panel & book talk with writer Laura Raskin and MSR Head of Interior, Veronica McCracken at DOM INTERIORS                          275 Market Street, Suite 145, Minneapolis 55405

May 15th, 2024;                                                                                                                                                                                          Slide show and book talk at SEATTLE CENTRAL LIBRARY, Microsoft Auditorium 7-8:15PM  1000 4th Avenue, Seattle, 98101

October10th, 2024;                                                                           

Book talk & slide show at UPENN Bookstore; 5:30-7:00PM      3601 Walnut Street- Philadelphia, PA 19104-3895

October 16th, 2024;

Book Talk & discussion with writer Laura Raskin at HEAD HI:        6:30-8:00PM 146 Flushing Ave at corner of Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY

© 2024 Lara Swimmer Photography  
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