aaron siskind library

The PRC’s library recognizes the career and contributions of photographer
Aaron Siskind (1903 – 1991), whoas a teacher and photographer was a significant influence on photographic practice in New England. During the last twenty years of his life he was based in the area, and participated regularly with programs and events at the PRC. Among many donors to the PRC’s library, his gifts jumpstarted what has become a unique collection in the Boston photography community.

The Library was named in Siskind’s honor shortly after his death, though it had been amassing books from the PRC’s early days. By December of 1980 there were some 2,000 items in the collection. Today, with gifts and acquisitions, the collection numbers almost 5,000 monographs, exhibition catalogues, surveys, critical histories, and other photography-related publications and periodicals.

Library materials are non-circulating. The collection is open to student groups by appointment, and to the general public; PRC members have free access, non-members are asked to pay the gallery admission charge. Patrons are required to leave backpacks outside, to sign the guest register, and to place books on the reshelving cart (or leave them on the reading table) after use.



Hours
The Siskind Library is open during regular gallery hours. Additionally, it
may be accessible at other times, including Mondays and periods between exhibition installations; please call 617.975.0600 for an appointment.

Reference and Research Assistance
The Library is currently undergoing transformation to enable online searching of the catalogue. All books are currently recorded in a database at the PRC.

Donations
The Library would be pleased to receive donations of photography books in good condition. We will provide a letter acknowledging your gift, though we are not able to offer appraisals to determine value.

LIbrary Membership
If you are part of a library, gallery, or museum and are interested in subscribing to our newsletter, Loupe, please consider purchasing a library membership.