Happy June, everybody! Street Books had the official ribbon-cutting ceremony today on Burnside, to launch our 8th season on the streets, (thanks to Pépe & Pati for the enormous homemade scissors). Ben & Olive are working their Monday shift in Old Town, and they pushed off shortly after our ceremony to start checking out books to people. Want to help get books to people living outside or at the margins in Portland? Consider donating books, or email us to arrange a visit to a library shift (librarian@streetbooks.org).
February News
It's been a great week of book-slinging for Street Books. So many books & reading glasses went to patrons at our Sunday giveaway under the bridges, and then more yesterday at Street Books headquarters in southeast Portland. We finished the week with this very sweet mention from writer Omar El Akkad - (read his book, American War: A Novel). We're grateful to be included in such a stellar line-up of Portland bookstores, and it probably goes without saying that we feel exactly the same way Omar does about Portland's literary treasures.
It's Validation Day!
Friends, you're invited to our annual Validation Day celebration with Sisters of the Road! On Wednesday, February 14th, 11-2, there will be cookies, free books and reading glasses for diners & Street Books patrons. Stop by Sisters (133 NW 6th Avenue) to make a donation (books & glasses are great!) and say hello. Thanks as always to Sisters of the Road for their ongoing support, and thank you to the Lion's Club of Portland for the donation of 300 pairs of reading glasses!
Street Libraries, Unite!
Wow! We're so excited to tell you about Street Books: Austin, a street library inspired by our project here in Portland, being launched by Patrick Crowley. We met him in New York City last June at the National Book Foundation's conference, and he was already making strides on his own library. Check out his website, and if you're in Texas, show him some love (and books and funds). He's looking for volunteers, too. Long live street libraries, and the people who read books!
We're Almost There!
Street Books is 3 subscribers shy of hitting our goal of 50 subscribers, and there's still time. Between now and Friday, December 15th, you can visit our D.rip page and subscribe.
It's no secret that a street library is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but we've stayed in business over the years because we are light on our feet, operate on a shoe-string, and rely on grants, foundation support, and help from our community. In fact, it is our book-loving community who has given us the most support for the past 7 years, and we want to thank you for being there from the start. The D.rip page is one way to support us on a monthly basis throughout the year, and we're grateful to have nearly 50 subscribers already. Help us spread the word, and boost that number.
Thanks again,
Laura Moulton & the Street Books crew
Ten Days Left!
There are 10 days left to become a Founding Member through Kickstarter’s new D.rip program. Help us reach our goal of 50 Founding Members before the December 15th deadline! Founding Members will receive regular updates, photos and stories from the Street Books library.
This season we have a lot to be grateful for: our new headquarters at St. Francis Park Apartments, the opportunity to operate an on-site library for residents there, and ongoing support from our community, which means people like you.
From the whole Street Books crew, we thank you.
Become a Founding Member of Street Books
Dear Friends of Street Books, we are thrilled to announce that we've been invited to be a part of Kickstarter's new Drip project, a platform designed to support artists and organizations in their work. This is a subscription-based model, so you can pledge your support and receive regular updates from the Street Books library, and from our patrons. Sign on to become a Founding Member between November 15-December 15, and receive extra special rewards. Thank you for spreading the word!
Street Books: Happy November!
We had a most wonderful fall celebration, and want to thank everybody who attended. Tacos were eaten, books were magically divined, and many of our patrons were able to attend. We made our matching grant goal, (big thanks again to the generous donation from the Olive Bridge Fund), and we exceeded our fundraising targets.
Here's what's next: Our own Ben Hodgson & Laura Moulton will be participating in Lit Crawl: They'll talk about Street Books, and share the stage with author Patricia Kullberg, and her book, On the Ragged Edge of Medicine, a collection of narratives about doctoring among the dispossessed. The group will end by reading excerpts from novels or memoirs that offer various perspectives on living at the margins. Friday November 10, 2017 6:00pm - 6:45pm
CENTRL Office 1355 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
Look for the Street Books library from 11-3 at Wordstock on Saturday, November 11. We'll set up near the museum, give out handsome buttons, and teach you the secret street librarian handshake.
Happy November!
Paul Susi Emcees the Street Books Event!
We here at Street Books headquarters are so excited to announce that Paul Susi, Portland's activist, artist, & performing wunderkind, will emcee our annual celebration this year, on Thursday, September 14, 6-7:30. Details and tickets here.
Here's what Paul has to say about the Street Books project:
Streetbooks is exactly the kind of impossible, hopeful venture that restores my faith in humanity during these infuriating, superheated days. It's a bicycle-powered mobile library, serving people who live outside. Many of my Guests at the Shelters I've staffed in the last two years have been avid patrons. There have been news stories and lots of local recognition for this enterprise, all well-deserved. The annual Celebration event is meant to recognize all the hard work of the last year, and yes, raise some funds for the next year's operations, but perhaps most importantly, it's a chance for all of the different aspects of this community--patrons, staff, donors, civic leaders, community members, friends and family--to all mingle and meet one another in a joyful evening.
There will be a Divination Station, where you fill out a questionnaire on an antique typewriter and our mystic Oracles will choose the right book for you. You can also purchase surprise recommendations based on your taste and temperament. Collectivo de Son Jorocho will be playing live. Beer and wine will be served with the price of the ticket up to 2 drinks, with additional drinks available for purchase. Food by Por Que No?, so, really, why not? Tickets are just $25, with tokens for the Divination Station and the surprise recommendations available for purchase as well. We're also striving to welcome all members of the community, so even if you can't physically attend, please consider purchasing a ticket or two for those of us who can't usually afford these kinds of things.
Street Books Celebration and Fundraiser
Come celebrate the 7th year of the Street Books library with food, music & fun.
September 14, 2017- 6:00 - 7:30pm
Join us at our annual event for:
- Taco bar by ¿Porque No?
- Lagunitas beer included
- Music by Colectivo de Son Jarocho.
- Get a book magically divined for you at the coin-operated Book Divination Station
Lagunitas Community Room
237 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
September 14, 2017 - 6:00 - 7:30pm