Walking into the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, you feel the pulse of the city’s public knowledge. The District of Columbia Public Library serves residents of DC and the surrounding area, offering a vast range of materials. Among these, a small selection of reference works focuses on artists’ books. Unlike rare or archival collections, these materials are widely accessible and can be borrowed for research or personal study.
About the Collection
The library’s artists’ books resources mostly consist of secondary sources, exploring the field rather than being primary works themselves. While a few items may be found in neighborhood branches, most are housed at the main library. These books provide valuable context for students, artists, and enthusiasts who want to understand the history, techniques, and culture surrounding book art.
Finding Artists’ Books
Locating these works is straightforward. On the DCPL catalog, select “Subject” and type “artists’ books” with quotation marks. This ensures precise results focused on the topic. Clicking on a title or image reveals more details, including the book’s location within the library. Each search feels like uncovering a curated window into the world of book art, ready to explore without the restrictions of rare collections.
Location and Directions
The main branch sits at 901 G Street NW, diagonally across from Gallery Place Metro station. You can reach it via the Yellow, Green, or Red lines, exiting toward 9th Street. The library’s central location makes it easy to access from across the city.
What to Expect
Most of the works on artists’ books can be checked out and taken home. This circulation model distinguishes DCPL from other DC-area collections, which often restrict access to on-site viewing. Reference works are generally found in Room 220, and if a book is housed at a neighborhood branch, you can place a hold to have it delivered. Whether browsing on-site or checking materials out, the experience is flexible, accessible, and designed for curious minds.
At the heart of the library, these books serve as a bridge between public knowledge and artistic exploration. They invite anyone to study, reflect, and create, embodying the spirit of community learning in the city’s central library.