There is a hidden gem on campus: the library. In the library, you will find inspiration, comfortable chairs and a fantastic view.

While it is true that many students take advantage of the library for the seating and internet access, they often discover so much more. For decades, dedicated audio visual coordinators have taken hundreds of hours of video, from demos to slide shows to parties. These recordings are available on DVD and VHS to view in the library and offer an opportunity to students that is invaluable. They can watch demos by masters from 20 years ago or 2 years ago and rewind and replay as often as they want. After hours watch parties are not infrequent and are encouraged by the librarian.

The few thousand books in the library range on topics from mythology and Renaissance painters to stargazing and human anatomy to The Art of Plasma and The Glassworkers Bathroom Reader. The book collection reflects studio glass history, innovation and formative artists; artists with a connection to Pilchuck Glass School; worldwide art movements and other topics determined to provide focused inspiration to those participating in the school’s programs.

In addition to the campus library, the school has an extensive archive. The archive includes thousands of photos and slides, posters, newspaper cutouts, letters, drawings, prints, artworks, and even a couple bottles of wine. Together, the items in the archive tell the story of Pilchuck Glass School.

The library was lovingly conceived by Mary Cozad and has been built upon by numerous seasonal librarians for over 30 years. For students and staff who have spent time curating the library collection, it is a special place. Now, this special place is getting a little extra love. In 2021, the library received designation by Washington State as a Special Library. This designation allows the library to apply for grant funding from the Library Services and Technology Act. Additionally, in April 2022, the school hired me, the first year-round Librarian & Archivist. I started by cleaning up and getting ready for sessions to start. I have rearranged shelves, unpacked numerous boxes, cataloged hundreds of exhibition catalogs and have dusted (so much dust, so many cobwebs!). I have found many treasures, such as a book about sword swallowing that elicits smiles and stories from those in the know. These changes are easy to see. Some of the other changes are not so apparent, such as defining archival procedures and creating a collection development policy.

There are three things however, that I won’t change. In the library, you will always find inspiration, comfortable chairs and a fantastic view.

When the school is not in session, the library and archive is open to in-person researchers by appointment only. Phone and email research requests can be made any time. Donations of relevant books and archival material with a direct connection to the school are welcome. To learn more about the Pilchuck Glass School's library, contact Jana Kelly, Librarian & Archivist, jkelly@pilchuck.org.