Saint Heron Launched a Free Library Service That Aims to Empower Black Creators
US-based readers can rent a curated assortment of titles until October 29.
Solange Knowles founded Saint Heron in 2013 as a way to help spark cultural conversation. Since then, the singer, songwriter, and actress has transformed the studio into a multi-disciplinary creative agency that has produced short films to curating thoughtful dossiers on a wide variety of under-spoken stories.
Today the agency launched a new program called the Saint Heron Community Library, which allows US-based readers the chance to learn more about some of the greatest artistic and literary thinkers from the history of Black America. The first collection of books has been curated by Rosa Duffy, founder of Atlanta bookshop, For Keeps Books and features a number of titles, such as Adrian Piper: Reflections 1967-1987, Julianna Free’s La Tete to Octavia Butler’s science fiction novel, Clay’s Ark.
Knowles worked with designer Sablā Stays on the art direction and enlisted the help of Angela Asemota and Celso White on an impeccably designed website. “These works expand imaginations,” Knowles said in a statement, adding, “it is vital to us to make them accessible to students, and our communities for research and engagement, so that the works are integrated into our collective story and belong and grow with us.”
The first collection of books consists of 50 titles, which can be rented for 45 days until October 29.
Elsewhere, Felipe Pantone and Pablo Limón have partnered on a joint exhibition called “Casa Variable.”
