Mark Returned Where the Red Fern Grows
And apologized for the fact the book smells like Old Spice aftershave. "It came open in my pack," he said. No harm done, Mark. He checked out Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. It's the story of a kid who is stranded in the Canadian wilderness, after a small plane crash. He survives on turtle eggs and fish and berries, and encounters bears, porcupines, and other animals. After he's eventually rescued, he realizes that the time in the wilderness has made him more thoughtful about things.
Guest Librarian Sue Zalokar Reports
Sue took the shift on Saturday at the Park Blocks, and reports that she had no less than eight (!) people waiting for her when she biked up. Many patrons returned books and checked out new ones, and new faces stopped in to see what was going on. Please have a look at Sue's great blog post here, to get a flavor of her day: http://suezalokar.com/adventures/you_cant_always_tell_a_book_by_its_cover_
The Kindness of Strangers
Okay, they're not exactly strangers, since Broadway Books has been selling books and hosting great readings since 1992. But they certainly are kind, and owners Roberta Dyer and Sally McPherson recently contacted Street Books and asked what they could do to help. Knowing we were likely inundated with paperback book donations (we are!) they offered a $50 gift certificate so that we can buy particular titles not readily found in the donation piles. Roberta & Sally also posted a really nice letter to their blog about Street Books. Have a look at it here. Big thanks to Sally & Roberta, booksellers who are committed to getting books to people, no matter where they live.
Two Rachels, a Judy, & a Random James
They showed up today at the Street Books Library bike with their generosity in hand. First Rachel Witmer brought most of the Harry Potters, plus a copy of The Way to the Western Sea, a look at the journey of Lewis & Clark by David Lavender. Thank you, Rachel! Judy Kitell came by next and donated four great books, including Carson McCuller's The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and the new memoir by Patti Smith, Just Kids. Thanks so much, Judy. Then Rachel #2, Rachel Parker donated 2 bags of books, all titles she's seen requested on this site by Street Books patrons. She also gave Street Books a $50 gift card to Powells bookstore, and said it was also from Noah Sharpsteen. Thank you, Rachel & Noah. James Yamada came by near the end of our shift, and after surveying the project, opened his wallet and gave a spontaneous donation. Thank you to James. We are currently sorting through paperbacks and figuring out a good system for storage and organization. I'll keep you posted on that. In the meantime, thanks again for all the help and interest in the Street Books project.
Welcome to Sue Zalokar
Sue is a Guest Street Librarian who will work this Saturday's shift at the Park Blocks. Stop around and say hello to Sue, and if you see her pushing the library up the slope to the Park Blocks, give her a hand. That sucker's heavy on the uphills.
Eric Came Back for More L'Amour
Said he was awful tired after all the fireworks the other night, but he was glad to get his hands on a few more westerns. He lingered and visited for a while, inspected the selection at the library and commented on this or that. Good to have you back, Eric.
Dalton Likes R.A. Salvatore
Checked out one book, and made a request for a few other Salvatore.
Mike, aka "Boxcar" Likes Pirate Stories
He took a James Patterson book this week, but he's more about pirates. Anything about boats, he said. Books on pirates and ships and old stories. "Like Captain Redbeard is my favorite," he said. So this week I'm looking for books for Mike, old stories about boats and pirates and possibly something involving Redbeard. Anyone got suggestions?
Ben Leaned Toward Highbrow...
but then shook his head and checked out some James Patterson. He said he'd rather lose himself a little. It was clear he's a voracious reader. He pulled out 2 books from his backpack and donated them to me at the cart. We talked about Jack London, ("He really lived it," Ben said. "London didn't have to make it up.").
Katleigh Returned Her Books
She said she's now officially a fan of Zora Neale Hurston. She also read As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner and didn't like it so well. But it's not exactly lose-yourself summer reading, right? Katleigh checked out a few more books, including Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, and Cruddy, by the wonderful Lynda J. Barry. Happy reading, Katleigh.
A Banner Day at the Street Books Library
People who read the terrific article by Rebecca Koffman at the Oregonian stopped by to see the street library, donate books and say hello. Big thanks to Ms. Koffman, who came down for two different Street Books shifts, and spent lots of time talking to people and observing the library in action. She captures the project and its aims very well, and I appreciate her keen eye for detail and wonderful writing. Robert Montgomery saw the article and came straightaway with a bag of great titles, including New Stories From the South: 2010, edited by Amy Hempel, one of my favorite authors. This librarian plans to get a quick look at that on her next shift.
Finally saw Tony again, and let him know I had the R.A. Salvatore books he'd requested a month or so ago. "I've been looking for you," I said. "I know, he said. "I was in the psych ward for four days, and then jail for three, so I've been gone awhile." "Welcome back," I said. I showed him the book marked "Reserved for Tony," and I could tell he was glad to see it.
A man named Arthur stopped by and recommended a book called The Butterfly Fleet, a book of historical fiction by Dena Johnson, which takes place in our own nearby Astoria. He said it was one of the best books he's read in a long time. While we talked, he began to arrange the paperbacks so that all the titles faced the same way. "I'm sorry," he said. "Do you mind? I'm a little compulsive about organization." I told him I was always happy for any organization, being (sadly) the opposite of compulsive about organization myself. So thanks, Arthur.
Had a very nice conversation with Dante, who has been on the road some years now, and he took time to tell me on video why Don Quixote is such an important book to read. I'll be posting that video soon, so stay tuned.
Thanks again, everyone, for the support, donations, and well wishes. I had a feeling when I launched this project that this city would rise to the occasion, and People of Portland, you haven't let me down.
Warren Took This Boy's Life
And donated a weatherbeaten copy of The 42nd Parallel. Thanks, Warren.
