the last quiet place:
libraries of the berkshires
A Visual Love Letter to the Public Libraries of Berkshire County
The Last Quiet Place celebrates and acknowledges free libraries as hubs of knowledge through books, beauty in architecture, and connection through shared spaces. The photo collections highlight the individuality of each public library in the Berkshires and serve as an invitation as well – whether it’s an empty chair, the tatters of a book spine, or an exterior architectural portrait, viewers are invited to visit their local library, to read and engage with a renewed appreciation of these spaces and their intricacies. Each library is distinct and different, resulting in photographs that range from architectural to conceptual and abstract, reflecting the diversity and essence of each library while leaving room for interpretation.
Public library visits have declined 49% since 2015 (IMLS). The Last Quiet Place is a direct response to that trend. A portion of project profits will be donated to local libraries, supporting the spaces the collection documents and celebrates.
Progress map
field notes
Follow along on my journey of photographing every public library in Berkshire County
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Milne Public Library – No. 11
2–3 minutesThe north face of the building resembles 1960s California-style architecture with large, arched windows (originally intended to mimic Williamstown’s First Congregational Church…
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North Adams Library – No. 10
3–4 minutesAs I turned onto Main Street in North Adams, the nervousness that was no more than an undercurrent this morning was now rushing through my…
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West Stockbridge Library – No.9
3–4 minutesScent plays a surprisingly important role in the experience of a library. Most of the libraries I’ve photographed carry that familiar fragrance of old books…
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Otis Library – No. 8
2–3 minutesWhether it was the casually scattered objects or the sense that everything had been left exactly where someone last set it down, the space felt…
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Becket Athenaeum – No. 7
1–2 minutesOn average, I’ve been taking around 250 photographs per library, depending on the size. Of those, only a very small number will ultimately make it…
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Egremont Free Library – No. 6
2–3 minutesIn the middle of June, during the hottest week of the summer so far, I photographed the oldest building I’ve encountered in this project. I…
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New Marlborough Town Library – No. 5
2–3 minutesI’m not sure if photography taught me to notice the world this way, or if I was always inclined to notice it and that’s why…
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Bushnell-Sage Library – No. 4
1–2 minutesMy favorite space is the second floor. It feels more like an enclave or retreat, the way an attic has a more settling atmosphere than…
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Stockbridge Library – No. 3
1–2 minutesWitnessing staff reactions to this project has been profoundly affirming. Every time a librarian and I discover that our individual goals are ultimately aligned, it…
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Mason Library – No. 2
2–3 minutesWhen shooting artistically I try to “plan” as little as possible. I didn’t know beforehand how I would attack rooms such as these. There’s a…