Street Books Day – May 23, 2019

WHEREAS: Whereas Street Books, Portland’s bicycle-powered mobile library was founded in June, 2011, with a grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Founder Laura Moulton operated a shift at Skidmore Fountain, where she first encountered Ben Hodgson, a resident of the sidewalk in Old Town, and he busted her chops for not having PG Wodehouse on the bike library. Whereas nine years later, Ben is on the Board of Directors at Street Books and operates his own library shift on Mondays in Old Town. The project is still going thanks to him and thanks also to Sue, Beth, Tracy, Diana, Byrd, Rachel, Pépe, Ben P., Pati, Betsy, Austin, Lori, Olive, Redd, Kat, Rachel B., Elijah, Robin, Nancy, Eric, Rachel B., Nika, Sofie, Jamie and John.

WHEREAS: Street Books provides good books, reading glasses and community to people living outside and at the margins in Portland, Oregon. There is no ID or proof of address necessary and no late fees or fines. Street Books strives to empower people on the streets through access to literature and create a community of support for people living outside through a shared love of books. Street Books provides a service but it’s not a charitable organization. The library is an ongoing collaboration that relies on the patrons’ continued willingness to participate, despite the challenges they may be facing. Street Books estimates it has moved more than ten thousand books since its founding, under bridges, along the waterfront, in Old Town, outside churches and in public squares.

WHEREAS: Street Books now has an official headquarters in the St. Francis Park Apartments, where it provides an onsite library for residents and continues to serve patrons living outside. The space is guarded by a taxidermied armadillo named Armando, rescued once upon a time from a dumpster by Ben Hodgson, who was collecting cans at the time.

WHEREAS: Street Books believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of where they sleep. The organization believes in the transformative capacity of a good book and the vital importance of being greeted by name each week. Street Books pledges to continue providing a library for people on the streets of Portland, creating a place in the city to talk about books and building a community that includes everyone.

NOW, THEREFORE: I, Chloe Eudaly, Arts Commissioner of the City of Portland, Oregon, do hereby proclaim May 23, 2019 to be STREET BOOKS DAY in Portland and encourage all residents to observe this day.