Solange Opens Her Bookshelves Singer and multidisciplinary artist Solange Knowles has launched a new cultural initiative: the Saint Heron Community Library, a seasonal lending program that allows readers to borrow rare and influential art books, including exhibition catalogs and texts by Black artists and thinkers. The project is part of Solange’s ongoing commitment to making …
You Can Now Borrow Solange’s Art Books, Including Catalogs for Pope.L, Adrian Piper, and More
Solange Opens Her Bookshelves
Singer and multidisciplinary artist Solange Knowles has launched a new cultural initiative: the Saint Heron Community Library, a seasonal lending program that allows readers to borrow rare and influential art books, including exhibition catalogs and texts by Black artists and thinkers.
The project is part of Solange’s ongoing commitment to making art and literature more accessible to wider audiences.
Inside the Collection
The Saint Heron Community Library’s catalog includes books and exhibition texts covering major figures in art history, such as:
- Barbara Chase-Riboud
- Henry Ossawa Tanner
- Martin Puryear
- Gary Simmons
- Pope.L
- Adrian Piper
Among the highlights is the 1987 Adrian Piper catalog from her exhibition at New York’s Alternative Museum, a text that is usually available only for on-site use at institutions like the New York Public Library.
Borrowers can now request such rare items and have them shipped directly to their homes for 45 days—though demand has already left many titles checked out.
Beyond Art Books
While the library offers a wealth of art-related texts, its shelves also feature seminal works of literature, poetry, and cultural criticism by key Black voices, including:
- Audre Lorde
- Ntozake Shange
- Octavia Butler
- Wanda Coleman
The initiative bridges disciplines, underscoring the interconnectedness of visual culture, literature, and social thought.
A Mission of Accessibility
On its website, the Saint Heron Community Library describes its mission:
“Our focus is to propel the advancement of education, knowledge production, creative inspiration and skill development through culturally relevant Black and Brown literary works.”
Guest curators will contribute seasonal selections, ensuring the collection evolves while highlighting both renowned and contemporary artists, writers, and thinkers.
Solange and the Art World
The library is only the latest way Solange has engaged with the art world. She has:
- Participated in programs tied to “Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now” at the Met.
- Collaborated with Wu Tsang on film projects linked to her music.
- Performed at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.
- Screened her films at museums across the U.S.
With this initiative, Solange extends her reach further into cultural education and community engagement.
FAQs
1. What is the Saint Heron Community Library?
A lending library launched by Solange’s Saint Heron platform, offering rare and culturally significant books.
2. How long can books be borrowed?
Each title can be borrowed for 45 days.
3. What kinds of books are included?
Exhibition catalogs, art books, and works by Black writers, poets, and thinkers.
4. Can rare texts be borrowed?
Yes. Books like Adrian Piper’s 1987 exhibition catalog are available for loan.
5. Who are some of the featured authors?
Barbara Chase-Riboud, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Pope.L, Audre Lorde, Octavia Butler, and many others.
6. How can I access the library?
Through the Saint Heron Community Library website.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Saint Heron Community Library, Solange is reshaping access to art and culture. By sharing her collection of rare and often out-of-print works, she creates new opportunities for discovery, learning, and inspiration.
The initiative not only underscores Solange’s deep ties to the art world but also reflects her broader mission: making Black and Brown cultural production accessible to all.
