The unique communal experience offered by well-worn, well-loved library books is quickly disappearing — being replaced by downloads, finger screen-swipes and plastic newness. This series celebrates the beauty of shared books and marks left by their readers.

At 31, most of us feel invincible—this series documents the shock, sadness, and resolve that one woman endured during her struggle to survive breast cancer; a process she documented so that others could understand what it means to battle this disease.

See the photographs and accompanying artists’ statements that won prizes in the 2011 Single Image category.