Visual Libraries is a new scheme, I am heavily involved in, set up in Portsmouth Libraries where we are encouraging members of the public to sign out a Visual Library Book and 'Leave Your Mark'.
A Visual Library Book is whatever you want it to be, a sketchbook, a journal, a diary, a notepad. You can 'Leave Your Mark' in whatever way you want, ranging from drawing, writing, sewing, adding photographs, markings, printing and sticking. How you make your marks is entirely up to you. All we ask is that you have fun with the different themes.
45 Visual Library Books have been placed in Portsmouth Central Library and each has its own theme. Examples include; Portsmouth, My City, When I Open My Eyes, Whilst I Was Waiting, Love, What's in My Pocket and Memories. The intention is for you to feel free to explore the Visual Library Books and choose a theme you like.
Staff and students from the University of Portsmouth have run workshops for library members on keeping visual sketchbooks. These books are available on loan as with any other library book. The only difference is that you can draw in them and make your mark.
The new scheme came about after 'Visual Diaries' a voluntary student sketchbook collaboration project between Portsmouth University School of Art, Design and Media and the School of Creative Technologies took place. Throughout the project the pages were photographed and uploaded to a website enabling the students to view all the work electronically and comment. Video clips were also uploaded which provides another dimension for the viewing of these books.
Creative Technology students gained an insight into how another discipline created images and felt their confidence grow because of this. For Illustration students it enabled them to be part of a project outside of their degree course. Both groups of students used this as an opportunity to experiment and feel free about creating work that was free from assessment. The Website for the project can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/groups/visualdiaries/
Building on the success of the Visual Diaries it was decided to offer this concept externally.
The Aims of the Visual Libraries are to:
- Empower the public and student population to contribute visually and creatively
- Collaborate with minority groups
- Raise awareness of the Library services
- Promote contributions and engage the public
To view the pages of the project as they develop from people all over the city, visit http://www.flickr.com/groups/visuallibraries/
In association with: Rhodia, Seawhite, Copic, Portsmouth City Council and The University of Portsmouth.