"Libraries evolve and change in unison with the area around them. As one of the first Creators in Residence for the Los Angeles Public Library, I sought to document them as physical components of the neighborhood and keepers of a shared, collective history. My objective was to create a body of work that visually framed the library as a public sanctuary, with each branch operating as a specialized extension of that concept. To achieve that goal, it was important to learn about the history of the system as well as the individual branches. For this project I selected a total of seven libraries to focus on, one representing each of the six regional areas of the Los Angeles Public Library system plus the Central Library located downtown. I photographed the branches extensively, talking with librarians and staff about their experiences working in a library. This part of the process was a transformative experience for me. I learned about the many ways each individual library is a part of their respective communities and how the programs and support they provide are uniquely tailored to their patrons. I also photographed parts of the surrounding neighborhoods, to visually portray the community served by the branches. The result is a collection of photographs that emphasize the library's role as an enduring and accessible knowledge base within the context of one of the most dynamic cities on earth."
-S.L. 12/01/2023
