One of our little libraries in the neighborhood here in Menlo Park sprang a big leak and the books inside are all moldy now. Before that happened I found a pretty good spy thriller in there. I had also left a few of those Donna Leon detective novels set in Venice in there (Commissario Guido Brunetti, for those in the know). I'm not a fan of nonfiction or self-help books, so I Ieave those for others. I'm now changing my walking route to go past the other 2 little libraries down here, in search of dry books. I'm sure some people will sniff at my taste in pre-bedtime reading. I like the escapism that these mysteries afford, whether they're critically acclaimed or not. I don't feel the need to impress anyone with my nighttime book-reading habits. But I will have you know that I read the NYT, WSJ and SFC in print every morning, if it makes a difference to you.
Bravo, Leah. Another relevant and inspiring piece! As a former newspaper book reviewer, I identify with so many of your thoughts, including the dilemma of discarding a book personally inscribed by a living author who just might find out.
Wherever we go on walks, bay area and beyond, there are Little Free Libraries. It is interesting to match the book selections with the neighborhoods, trying to figure out who lives there--not just in the house but those who give and take. Visiting in Brooklyn this week and the choices are excellent though none we need or don't have already---waiting to go into a box. Back home there are boxes of books awaiting new homes but damn it is hard parting with them. I have given nearly a thousand film books to the Niles Silent Movie Museum---whatever the Pacific Film Archive doesn't already own which is almost everything about cinema. Hundreds to the Oakland and Berkeley Library book stores. Books to the LFL are easier because it is only a few at a time. And recently there has been mutual pleasure dropping off boxes for the wonderful new bookstore, cafe, bar and gathering place Clio's on Grand in Oakland--an immediate success after at least two years getting ready to open. This is the home for that esoteric book you don't think will be taken from a box and a used bookstore wouldn't buy or even take for free. Those gathering at Clio's have an eclectic interest in the unexpected and the way books are displayed is unlike other book stores. You will have to visit to find out why. And yet there are too many more to go through and make hard decisions. My family hopes I complete the project before the time comes when they have call 800-JUNK.
Dearest Leah, I am certain that you receive volumes of responses to your wonderful writing and I would love to add my name to that list. I feel as though I am walking with you and Greenberg. Your magical, descriptions of your outings, trips, to book libraries, etc. thank you thank you
I love and enjoy your writings - wish they came out more often. I have a book for you, published in 1939, by DuBose Heyward, called, The Country Bunny And The Little Gold Shoes. My mother read it to the six of us, and we, in turn read it to our girls, who, in turn, have read it to THEIR kids. Great story about a whole bunch of stuff, wrapped up in an Easter tale, about equality, women's lib, brown vs white, and a joyous feel ing at the end. My mom was waaaaaay ahead of her time!
Dear Leah, You untangle a lot here, but the underlying theme is the thrill of reading. Undoutedly, it saved my life and still consumes me. I love the randomness of the widespread Little Library boxes, as well as looking for a book at the library and randomly finding something unexpected. Most unexpectedly and years ago, I found The Man Farthest Down: A Record of Observation and Study in Europe (1911) by Booker T. Washington. Although BTW's reputation is a bit tarnished, this is an extraordinary, and, I daresay, obscure book (once when I returned to the library to find it again, it had been discarded). It's not a record of European cathedrals and palaces, but visits to the most downtrodden centers of child labor and exploitation. Aren't random discoveries the most fun?!
They are TOTALLY the best fun. Like being at a buffet that includes both savories and sweets. And I love the realization that people in my ‘hood are reading some pretty heavyweight books!
Dr. Spock, in "Baby and Child Care" recommended a can of beer while breastfeeding, to relax and replenish. It now appears that this was terrible advice, making those old books real museum pieces.
yes yes yes to little free libraries - and my local 'branch' at my community garden (Far Out West on Judah in outer sunset) we trade not only books and magazines - but one will also find random treasures (vintage xmas ornaments and maps and hand-made pottery ie), bags of food (packaged and fresh), clothing, shoes, electronics and much else. sometimes junk and rubbish, of course, which we clear away, but i'm always heartened by the quick turnover and spirit of giving and receiving that i witness on a near-daily basis. thanks for sharing (this essay and your books!) xoxo
We don't have these joyful little libraries in our neighborhood, but folks tend to leave books they want to give away on their stoops. I do stop to browse, and occasionally carry one home, but it is not the same give and take experience you describe so charmingly.
P.S. When I recently check out a few travel books from the SF Public Library I was told that they automatically renew books unless they are on someone's wait list. There no longer are fines.
Just lovely! One of the pleasures of living in this city is the free stuff to do like share in the generosity of little private libraries and the public library and walk on the pretty streets with a dear dog. And you bring it all to life so well.
One of our little libraries in the neighborhood here in Menlo Park sprang a big leak and the books inside are all moldy now. Before that happened I found a pretty good spy thriller in there. I had also left a few of those Donna Leon detective novels set in Venice in there (Commissario Guido Brunetti, for those in the know). I'm not a fan of nonfiction or self-help books, so I Ieave those for others. I'm now changing my walking route to go past the other 2 little libraries down here, in search of dry books. I'm sure some people will sniff at my taste in pre-bedtime reading. I like the escapism that these mysteries afford, whether they're critically acclaimed or not. I don't feel the need to impress anyone with my nighttime book-reading habits. But I will have you know that I read the NYT, WSJ and SFC in print every morning, if it makes a difference to you.
Oh sure it makes a difference. Signed, the person who took "How to Teach Your Dog to Read" out of the library
hahahahahahah!
Bravo, Leah. Another relevant and inspiring piece! As a former newspaper book reviewer, I identify with so many of your thoughts, including the dilemma of discarding a book personally inscribed by a living author who just might find out.
Yes, we were expected to treasure every one of those books! But worse is discarding mediocre books written by wonderful friends!
Wherever we go on walks, bay area and beyond, there are Little Free Libraries. It is interesting to match the book selections with the neighborhoods, trying to figure out who lives there--not just in the house but those who give and take. Visiting in Brooklyn this week and the choices are excellent though none we need or don't have already---waiting to go into a box. Back home there are boxes of books awaiting new homes but damn it is hard parting with them. I have given nearly a thousand film books to the Niles Silent Movie Museum---whatever the Pacific Film Archive doesn't already own which is almost everything about cinema. Hundreds to the Oakland and Berkeley Library book stores. Books to the LFL are easier because it is only a few at a time. And recently there has been mutual pleasure dropping off boxes for the wonderful new bookstore, cafe, bar and gathering place Clio's on Grand in Oakland--an immediate success after at least two years getting ready to open. This is the home for that esoteric book you don't think will be taken from a box and a used bookstore wouldn't buy or even take for free. Those gathering at Clio's have an eclectic interest in the unexpected and the way books are displayed is unlike other book stores. You will have to visit to find out why. And yet there are too many more to go through and make hard decisions. My family hopes I complete the project before the time comes when they have call 800-JUNK.
What a wonderful letter!
Dearest Leah, I am certain that you receive volumes of responses to your wonderful writing and I would love to add my name to that list. I feel as though I am walking with you and Greenberg. Your magical, descriptions of your outings, trips, to book libraries, etc. thank you thank you
That is SO kind, Mary. And we need to make it a reality (walking together with pooches). Thank you!
I love and enjoy your writings - wish they came out more often. I have a book for you, published in 1939, by DuBose Heyward, called, The Country Bunny And The Little Gold Shoes. My mother read it to the six of us, and we, in turn read it to our girls, who, in turn, have read it to THEIR kids. Great story about a whole bunch of stuff, wrapped up in an Easter tale, about equality, women's lib, brown vs white, and a joyous feel ing at the end. My mom was waaaaaay ahead of her time!
Dear Leah, You untangle a lot here, but the underlying theme is the thrill of reading. Undoutedly, it saved my life and still consumes me. I love the randomness of the widespread Little Library boxes, as well as looking for a book at the library and randomly finding something unexpected. Most unexpectedly and years ago, I found The Man Farthest Down: A Record of Observation and Study in Europe (1911) by Booker T. Washington. Although BTW's reputation is a bit tarnished, this is an extraordinary, and, I daresay, obscure book (once when I returned to the library to find it again, it had been discarded). It's not a record of European cathedrals and palaces, but visits to the most downtrodden centers of child labor and exploitation. Aren't random discoveries the most fun?!
They are TOTALLY the best fun. Like being at a buffet that includes both savories and sweets. And I love the realization that people in my ‘hood are reading some pretty heavyweight books!
I love this column, Leah! And I love the little free libraries all around Bernal.
They are a gift, aren’t they? Feels so good to give; feels so good to take! Xxx
Dr. Spock, in "Baby and Child Care" recommended a can of beer while breastfeeding, to relax and replenish. It now appears that this was terrible advice, making those old books real museum pieces.
Advice I didn’t take. I don’t like beer!
yes yes yes to little free libraries - and my local 'branch' at my community garden (Far Out West on Judah in outer sunset) we trade not only books and magazines - but one will also find random treasures (vintage xmas ornaments and maps and hand-made pottery ie), bags of food (packaged and fresh), clothing, shoes, electronics and much else. sometimes junk and rubbish, of course, which we clear away, but i'm always heartened by the quick turnover and spirit of giving and receiving that i witness on a near-daily basis. thanks for sharing (this essay and your books!) xoxo
We’ve got a swap site at our farmer’s market, too. LOVE the serendipity of it!
We don't have these joyful little libraries in our neighborhood, but folks tend to leave books they want to give away on their stoops. I do stop to browse, and occasionally carry one home, but it is not the same give and take experience you describe so charmingly.
Each time, it is like receiving a gift
Can I borrow the Frans de Vaal?
Sure
P.S. When I recently check out a few travel books from the SF Public Library I was told that they automatically renew books unless they are on someone's wait list. There no longer are fines.
Oh, I know. But old habits die hard.
I think it might be time for you to erect your own Little Free Library in front of your house.
Maybe too much of a hill. And I don’t want to compete with the guy up the block!
Just lovely! One of the pleasures of living in this city is the free stuff to do like share in the generosity of little private libraries and the public library and walk on the pretty streets with a dear dog. And you bring it all to life so well.
LOL: “masking my tendency to hoard with a layer of altruism”!
There's hardly a pleasure as good as making someone laugh!
Always wonderful, my friend.