A LIVING LIBRARY was first conceived for Bryant Park, a beautiful public space behind the New York Public Library, that had fallen into neglect. Bonnie Sherk proposed extending the values of the Library into Gardens of Knowledge arranged according to the Dewey Decimal System - ten in all. Her vision included a Philosophy Garden, Language Garden, Geography Garden- each with symbolic plantings, art, public programs, lectures, interactive digital technologies- corresponding to the different subjects.

Many of the concepts proposed in A LIVING LIBRARY have been incorporated in the revitalization of Bryant Park including very popular film screenings, fashion shows & cultural events.

Literature Garden from A Living Library for Bryant Park New York, 1983, Photo Montage

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