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Durham's Art Library

Page history last edited by PBworks 17 years, 5 months ago

Creating the Durham Arts' Library

Or is that Durham's Art Library?

Or Durham Library for the Arts?

I'm trying initiate a discussion about the arts component of the county library system at new downtown branch or otherwise.

Has any dialog occurred with Duke (and Nasher) and NCCU or anyone else?

Is this too large an idea for the current plan?

Durham prides itself on being a city of knowledge and technology and medicine. It seems to define the word "diverse" . But more so Durham hosts a vibrant arts community that spans from high school students, to university faculty and students, to an ever increasing number of professionals and amature artists. The continued openings of new galleries and well attended showings is just one sign. What Durham lacks is a great educational and reference resource for artists and those interested in the arts.

So how possible is it to imagine Durham with a sort of facility like the Balch Art Research Library in LA or the Metropolitan Museum of Art's research libraries in NYC? How difficult would it be to coordinate with UNC's Sloan Library and the Lyons Design library at State and the NC Museum of Art reference library? What else should I be asking?

Please let me know your thoughts.

Ben Kimmel

Durham, NC

bkimmel@duke.edu

--Check out what they staff have to say about art in the libraries on the Best Practices Tours page. From the many different people who went on the tour of Greensboro and Burlington, 22 of them mentioned how much they like the art in the libraries! It was clearly one of the most dominant themes and a strong image people brought back.--JLo.

Comments (3)

More focus on the arts @ the public library level is a great idea. The Berkeley Public Library in CA, now has it's Arts and Music library on the 5th floor of their main branch. They employ 1 reference librarian with special knowledge in the arts/music and one Library Assistant. It is nothing fancy. Just a well put together, cohesive collection and a helpful reference librarian. They also provide free passes to the local area arts museums if you have a library card. They lend out art slide collections, and even lend wall prints and have headphone listening stations. It is great for trivia. I once was trying to remember the artist and song title of a particular New Orleans tune, and the librarian answered my question instantly, and new which CD it was on! Here is a link to their web page for more information: http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/services_and_resources/art_music_recreation.php
Good luck with your idea of building bridges to the arts.
Floatingclouds

Here is the link again for easier accessibility.

http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/services_and_resources/art_music_recreation.php

I think a larger role of local art in the public library would be wonderful. The Main Branch of the Salt Lake City Public Library System has an art gallery for local artists. From what I understand, it is one of the most popular parts of the library.

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