Pamela Got Her Poetry
It's been a while since we'd seen Pamela, so it was very exciting to hear her holler "Hey Book Lady!" as I biked past Skidmore Fountain. I had two books we'd been holding for her, both poetry: Selected Poems of Gwendolyn Brooks, and Ultra-Marine, by Raymond Carver. Since our patrons live outside, rarely have cell phones or mailboxes, it's hard to maintain communication with them, and it makes every meeting, especially chance ones, even more miraculous. This fall/winter has been very cold, and we're not seeing as many of our regulars on the street. We hope that's because they've secured shelter, but we still miss seeing them week to week. Here's to Pamela, to hoping she enjoys the poetry, and that she stays warm this holiday season.
Justus Chose Ken Kesey
It's hard to resist One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Justus said he'd seen the movie, but had been meaning to read the book for years. I told him I'd been to Kesey's farm years back, and had a chance to meet and talk with him. We both agreed he's a gem.
Billi Got His Harry Potter!
He's been patiently waiting for a copy of Prisoner of Azkaban, and he was very glad to get it.
James Took Two
He said that one of the titles is a book he started in jail, but wasn't able to finish. He was glad to find it in the Street Books library.
Billi Caught a Fish
Went fishing with a friend, who bought him a fishing license, and though he didn't technically hook the fish himself, he says his friend let him reel it in. Street Books volunteer Amy Bradley was there, and said it made her think of Elizabeth Bishop's poem, called "The Fish." The fish in her poem ("battered and venerable and homely"), has a happier ending than Billi's fish. It's well worth the read.
Justus Took Hole
It's the short story collection by Jason Breedlove. He donated 2 copies to our street library last week.
Urban Man, Mountain Man
Jesse is a mountain man in the city. He saw The Big Sky and had to read it.
So Many Great Books
Jaclynn and her friend had a hard time choosing. They settled on four titles for the week and said they couldn't wait to see what was on the cart next week.
Kudos from Joseph
Joseph had nothing but good thoughts and warm words to share with me about Street Books. He found a title from our ever-growing science fiction collection. Thanks, Joseph!
Justice for Justus
He likes to read non-fiction and was thrilled to find a little something to whet his palate: science, nature and A People's History.
He set down his books for a minute to play a tune for all of us at 4th and Burnside this morning.
Sci Fi With a Side of Vonnegut
We receive many, many requests for science fiction and fantasy titles, as well as novels by Kurt Vonnegut. Curtis took two from the cart today, making room for more.
Christmas in Pioneer Square
John Christmas, that is. He is part of the Occupy movement and thought Street Books was a great idea. He found a book to take his mind off the woes of occupation.
Occupy Your Mind with a Book
Frank is one of many folks awaiting the 7 p.m. Occupy Portland general assembly meeting tonight in Pioneer Square. He selected a book as much for its small stature as its content. "It's thin and it won't be too heavy to carry around," he said.
Fino Finds Generosity in the City
I was pedaling toward Pioneer Square after leaving the R2DToo camp and I encountered Fino and his two pups. I stopped and asked him if he likes to read. He said he did. He asked me about the library and he quickly spotted a Charles Bukowski novel. He found another title he would enjoy as well. How will I find you he asked me. I told him to look for us on Mondays and Wednesdays at the R2DToo camp ten to eleven-thirty or so. Or he could wave to us as we pedal through Old Town. "Thanks," he said. "Your kindness is truly appreciated."
Ernestae Counts Coup
Ernestae told me he likes to read nonfiction. I had noticed this excellent piece of journalistic writing by Larry Colton while organizing the cart earlier. It is the story of Sharon LaForge, a gifted basketball player and a descendant of one of George Armstrong Custer's Indian scouts. Ernestae is trying to make his way back to Los Angeles. There, he has a home and the prospect of work. He came to Portland to spend an extended holiday with his family, but when he got here, in a sad turn of events, he found himself without a place to stay. The folks at Right 2 Dream Too camp have been instrumental in helping him with housing and connecting him to the resources he needs to bet back home.
The Prince of Titles
Mark took a moment to glance through the library cart this morning and found a book to take him through the week.
Ray Finds Rumi
Ray approached me on shift a few weeks ago. He wanted to know if we could find a book for him, The Conference of the Birds by Sufi mystic, Rumi. We are still looking for that exact title, but in the interim we were able to match Ray with a book of essential Rumi poetry.