Solange Helps Bring Awareness To Black and Brown Authors By Launching Digital Library
The singer Solange has launched a free digital library with her creative studio Saint Heron Foundation. The purpose of the library is to make it easier to access hard-to-obtain literature from black and brown authors.
The digital library launched last Monday, and it consists of a collection of 50 books that US readers can borrow for up to 45 days. The collection will consist of genres such as fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and much more.
“We believe our community is deserving of access to the stylistically expansive range of Black and Brown voices in poetry, visual art, critical thought, and design,” Saint Heron states on their website.
Users are limited to checking out one book at a time, and rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis, as per instructions posted on Saint Heron’s Instagram page. The books are shipped to community members, with the cost of shipping and returns included.
The Saint Heron community library will offer seasonal selections by guest curators. The first season of books is curated by Rosa Duffy, founder of the Atlanta book store, For Keeps. Not only do they specialize in rare and classic Black books, but it functions as a safe space. The first season of books will be available through November.
According to Saint Heron, the goal of the library is to “build upon [Saint Heron’s] urgent mission to preserve, collect and uplift the stories, works, and archives that amplify vital voices within our communities.”
Whether it be album artwork, stage design, or filmmaking, Ive always sought to create new visual languages that embody expressions my other works can not communicate.
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) May 31, 2021
Inspired to further these practices through the @SaintHeron Agency w a wider scope of collaborations & projects. pic.twitter.com/PrxMyMhbe3
The Saint Heron website allows you to see the front cover of the books all on one page. You can also find an interview with Rosa Duffy by Saint Heron, explaining why she chose the books for the curation and the significance of each one.
If you have not already checked out the digital library, keep an eye out for the next season of books.
