Solange has once again turned everything she touches into magic, with the announcement that her studio and platform, Saint Heron has announced the launch of a free library of rare and valuable books by Black creators for research, study, and exploration. Readers will be invited to borrow a book of their choice for 45 days for free, via the Saint Heron website from October 18.
As per Solange's announcement, the library will serve as part of the platform's goal to “build upon its urgent mission to preserve, collect and uplift the stories, works and archives that amplify vital voices within our communities.”
The first season of the Saint Heron Library is set to run from 18 October until the end of November and will be guest-curated by Rosa Duffy, founder of the Atlanta-based Community Bookstore and reading room ‘For Keeps Books’. Together, Saint Heron and Duffy have curated a digital and physical library that will be home to over 50 titles. the collection is reported to include a signed 1st edition of In Our Terribleness by Leroi Jones, Maren Hassinger, 1972-1991, a signed The Meeting Point by Austin Clarke, Lumumba by Luis Lopez, My One Good Nerve Rhythms, Rhymes, Reasons by Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis inscribed by authors to Maya Angelou and more. The first season of the Saint Heron Library is supported by global skincare brand Aesop, which feels like a natural, design forward collaboration.
“The Saint Heron Library continues the work we have been building by preserving collections of creators with the urgency they deserve. Together we seek to create an archive of stories and works we deem valuable." Solange said of the new library. "These works expand imaginations, and 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. I look forward to the Saint Heron library continuously growing and evolving and over the next decade becoming a sacred space for literature and expressions for years to come.”
Image: @solangeknowles
