Big News From Street Books
Dear beloved Street Books Community:
This year will mark 15 years since I first loaded the bicycle library with books and launched what I believed would be a 3-month art project, (thanks again for the seed money, RACC). I've been reflecting on the incredible people and organizations who have joined/supported/collaborated with Street Books over the years and feeling such immense gratitude. It's in this spirit that I announce that I will be stepping back from my role as Executive Director of Street Books. I’ll be honest: Street Books is the best job I’ve ever had, with the funnest, most loyal crew, and the most magical community. It is not a job I leave easily. But my dad had a health crisis earlier this year that helped clarify where I need to focus my time, and I also look forward to taking more time for teaching and to finish writing a second book.
Street Books is more essential today than ever, as our library patrons' basic needs and rights are continually under threat. I’m excited to let you know that our board recently voted unanimously to hire Monica Beemer and Josh Pollock as Co-Executive Directors of our organization. Monica has served as our Operations and Development Director for three and a half years and as a board member and volunteer since 2020. She has over 35 years of nonprofit experience, including serving as the Director of Sisters of the Road for 12 years and Station Co-Manager at KBOO Community Radio and is a talented and recognized force for good in our city. Josh has served as our Library Operations Coordinator since 2022, operating library shifts on the street and coordinating our partnerships with over 30 community organizations. He is also an author, a translator, a teacher of writing and a true advocate for people. The two of them have the full, enthusiastic support of the staff and the library patrons whom they serve. They are committed to the work we do every day and to the remarkable crew we have built over the years.
Please welcome them and join me in celebrating everything Street Books has become in our city, and all the work left to do. Thank you for being behind us for so many years.
Love and solidarity,
Laura
p.s. Help us celebrate these milestones with a special one-time gift, or become a monthly donor. Thank you so much!
p.p.s. Come say goodbye (and hello to the new leadership!) at our Street Books Revelry and Community Celebration, June 26th, 5:30-7:30, (see the flyer below).
p.p.p.s. I write a monthly newsletter called Truth & Dare and I teach at the Attic Institute. You can reach me at laura@ideacog.net — hope you'll keep in touch!
