Can I Donate Some Books?
That is the million dollar question lately. And soon, we will have an answer for all of our amazing supporters like Lynn who approached me in Pioneer Square today. Yes! We have secured a storage space generously donated to Street Books by EcoTrust and we are planning a book drive for December. We will post more information about the event as the day comes closer. Thank you for contributing to the Street Books story.
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.
Chaz Checks Out A People's History
I met Chaz (on the left) for the first time this morning. He was looking casually through the library selections when he chirped, "Oh, I want to read that." It was Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States. Street Books supporter, Michael, had just donated this fantastic slice of historical pie to us last week during Laura's shift. The book found a happy home at the Right 2 Dream Too camp.
Brainstorming with Billi
Billi spent much of the morning front and center at the Street Books shift this morning. We spoke of Pow-Wows and The Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes and we brainstormed ideas for weatherizing the library for winter. It is wonderful to be welcomed into the Right 2 Dream Too camp so warmly.
Michael Donated A People's History
We are grateful to have a copy of Howard Zinn's book for our street library. A People's History of the United States is "the first scholarly work to tell America’s story from the bottom up—from the point of view of, and in the words of, America’s women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, working poor, and immigrant laborers." I read it while living in Ecuador, in 2002, and the effect it had was to make me feel very patriotic -- humbled by the thought of all the immigrants who'd come before, their dreams, their hard work in a new country. Zinn tells the old stories with a new perspective, one rarely mentioned in the history books in school. It's an important book to read.
David Chose Sexing the Cherry
It's a novel by Jeanette Winterson, full of magical realism that includes the discovery of a baby found floating in the Thames, the Dog Woman who cares for it, flying princesses & a plague. Can't wait to hear what David thinks of the book.
James Found The Places In Between
It's the story of Rory Stewart's solo walk across Afghanistan in 2002. James knows about traveling alone. He said he'd been living outside for some time, and his policy is to do his own thing, without relying on others. He said he didn't want to bring anyone else down, and didn't want anyone to bring him down. It reminded Beth Chapman, our Street Books reference librarian, of a quote she'd recently come across: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. When you are seeking to bring big plans to fruition, it is important with whom you regularly associate. Hang out with friends who are like-minded and who are also designing purpose-filled lives. Similarly, be that kind of a friend for your friends."
—Mark Twain
Street Books Segment on Channel 8 News
Here, Laura Moulton speaks to Pat Dooris, a KGW Channel 8 News reporter. The segment aired November 7 and featured a couple of our patrons too!
An Eventful Morning
Billi was front and center Monday morning and ready to check out another book. He returned Christine, he is working on Cujo and now he is adding Cobra Event to his reading list. Billi also caught some face time with the KGW Channel 8 News team.