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.
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)
May 15th, 2024; Slide show and book talk at SEATTLE CENTRAL LIBRARY, Microsoft Auditorium 7-8:15PM 1000 4th Avenue, Seattle, 98101
Book Talk & discussion with writer Laura Raskin at HEAD HI: 6:30-8:00PM 146 Flushing Ave at corner of Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY