Creative Writing and Poetry: Book Arts & Artists' Books in the Campus Library

The Campus Library collection of artists' books are located on the 3rd floor, just across the skybridge in LB2 next to the Folios. Our chapbooks are also located here. Most items are available for in-library use only.

If you are a UWB/T or Cascadia faculty member and would like to inquire about borrowing a selection of artists' books for use in your classroom, please contact Fine Arts Librarian Laura Dimmit Smyth at least 7 business days in advance of the date you need them for class.

What is an artists' book?

"An artist’s book is a medium of artistic expression that uses the form or function of “book” as inspiration. It is the artistic initiative seen in the illustration, choice of materials, creation process, layout and design that makes it an art object." - from What is an Artists' Book?, Anne Evenhaugen, Smithsonian Libraries Unbound Blog, 2012

Where can I learn more about artists' books?

• The Smithsonian Libraries has a helpful webpage about artists' books, including an introduction to artists' books and information on its own artists' books collection.
• Book Arts Web - Online book arts community with links to online exhibitions and many related websites. 
• Off Book: Book Art - from the PBS webseries.
• See "Recommended Readings" on the Additional Artists' Books Resources page. 

Search the UW Libraries catalog for "how to" books on book making techniques using the following keywords:

• artists' books
• book design
• bookbinding
• binding techniques
• printing techniques
• papermaking
• letterpress printing
• decorative design
• paper crafts

To learn more about all of the artists' books available through the UW Libraries, visit the UW Libraries Rare Books & Rare Books Collections guide.