Category Community Resources & Education

Reading Time: 2 minutesVisiting the National Museum of Women in the Arts offers a glimpse into a world where books become art. The museum’s artists’ book collection focuses on women artists and often includes sculptural works. Many of the books are unique or rare, crafted from unconventional materials like bedsheets, latex, wine bottles, or even a fish spine. […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesVisiting the Vine Deloria, Jr. Library at the National Museum of the American Indian feels like stepping into a quiet, thoughtful space. The library is part of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries and supports curators, researchers, and the public alike. Its collection of artists’ books is small for now, but each volume holds the promise of […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesVisiting the Warren M. Robbins Library is like stepping into a quiet world within the National Museum of African Art. The library’s artists’ book collection is small but rich, filled with works by African artists and books about Africa. Each volume feels alive—some with prints, others with sculptural elements or delicate fine press work. It’s […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe National Gallery of Art Library began its artists’ books collection in 1991, thanks to a generous donation from Patricia G. England. Over the years, the library has continued to acquire new works, building a collection of hundreds of pieces. The collection highlights fine press books, books about art and architecture, and literary works, reflecting […]

Reading Time: < 1 minuteMarymount University Library holds a modest collection of resources on artists’ books. While it does not have primary source artists’ books, the collection offers valuable reference materials. As part of the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), Marymount shares its resources with other universities in the DC area. This makes it a helpful starting point for […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Library of Congress houses one of the largest collections of artists’ books in the United States and continues to acquire new works. Most of the collection highlights American artists, though international works are also included. These books are kept in the Rare Book & Special Collections Division, which also preserves archives of book artists […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Indie Photobook Library focuses on self-published and independent photobooks. These books use photography as their main medium. While some consider photobooks a type of artists’ book, many treat them as a separate genre. The library started collecting and exhibiting photobooks in 2010. Today, the collection includes about 2,000 books, and over 1,600 are already […]

Reading Time: < 1 minuteHoward University Library holds a modest collection of artists’ books and related reference materials. Like other academic libraries in Washington, DC, its collection is small but meaningful, designed to support students and faculty in their research. As part of the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), Howard shares its resources with other local universities. These works […]

Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Library is part of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries. It holds a significant collection of artists’ books, mainly artists’ multiples. The library’s works complement the museum’s permanent collection. Therefore, if the museum collects an artist’s work, the library often collects that artist’s bookworks. As a result, the Hirshhorn Library includes […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesWhen you step inside the George Washington University Library, there’s a sense that art and academia breathe the same air. Among its many resources lies a carefully curated collection of artists’ books — tactile works that blur the boundary between literature and visual art. Once part of the Corcoran Library, these books have found a […]