MARFA — Judd Foundation and the Marfa Public Library recently launched the “Donald Judd Selections” program. Organized in partnership with the Marfa Public Library (MPL), the program will allow community members to directly engage with the books found in Donald Judd’s library at La Mansana de Chinati/The Block via the collection of MPL.
“Donald Judd Selections” will highlight a rotating selection of more than 200 books from the MPL catalog that is also part of Judd’s library. These books will be housed in the front of the library on a dedicated shelf for members to explore crossover titles ranging from Texana to nonfiction. In conjunction with the shelves, beginning in January 2025, Judd Foundation will gift 20 free copies of a monthly highlight from the shelf for members. Registration for these copies will be through the MPL membership desk and allow library members to obtain the volumes for free to add to their own personal collections.
“The Marfa Public Library plays a central role in our small town; they have wholeheartedly supported generations of readers here in Marfa,” said Rainer Judd, president of Judd Foundation. “Through their thoughtful programs and welcoming spaces, the library has provided resources to everyone in this community. We are honored to be a part of their work through this program and hope that selections from Don’s library continue to inspire new readers.”
The program follows the launch of a searchable online catalog of the artist’s central library in Marfa. During his lifetime, Judd acquired more than 13,000 volumes, the majority of which are housed today in the two main libraries for the Block. Launched in 2022, the resource provides digital access to Judd’s personal collection, reflecting his varying interests in art, architecture, philosophy, literature, anthropology, natural history and world history. Through the resource, users can browse Judd’s library shelf by shelf. Through the WorldCat system, a catalog that itemizes the collections of institutions worldwide, users can locate volumes in their nearest library, including the Marfa Public Library.
“This is such a special project to work on with Judd Foundation, and we’ve loved being a part of it,” said Nicki Ittner, director of Marfa Public Library. “Donald Judd’s library is awe-inspiring, and it feels wonderful to share some of it with our community.”
The “Donald Judd Selections” initiative is part of Judd Foundation’s mission of promoting a wider understanding of Judd’s legacy by providing access to resources and by developing educational programs. “Donald Judd Selections” at the Marfa Public Library has been made possible through a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts.
For more information on Donald Judd Selections at the Marfa Public Library, please contact marfa@juddfoundation.org or 432-729-4406.