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

December 13th; 

Book Launch & cocktail party at PETER MILLER BOOKS
304 Alaskan Way South, Seattle 98104

March 14th;                                                                                                                                                                                            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;

Book Talk & Slide show at SEATTLE CENTRAL LIBRARY;          reception 5:30-6:30, Talk 7:00-8:00PM
1000 4th Avenue, Seattle 98104

© 2024 Lara Swimmer Photography  
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