honoring women

 Suze and I went to a lovely little ceremony on the steps of the SF Library yesterday and were treated to some powerful women reading some magnificent poetry, mostly by Maya Angelou, whose statue is shown here next to Suze. We wrote notes and put flowers on the statue and resolved to fight the good fight.

and from Libby at the Library

 I'm a fan of the public library as I spent much of my youth at the one in Pasadena, CA. A friend recommended this book and since he does the audio thing, I borrowed it for my jigsaw puzzle time. I have gotten used to reading two books at a time now: one on the LindaKindle and now the audio. The Library Book tells the story of the 1986 fire that devastated the Los Angeles Central Library. Susan Orlean, the author, reads her book. I believe that one of the reasons I don't mind paying is taxes is because of my love for our libraries. 

just what a woman needs

The staircase at the Mechanics' Institute is deservedly famous. I'm pleased
with my new membership library in the heart of downtown SF.  I like any
library but this one is special with friendly staff and very clean bathrooms.
It's too easy to stay home with a cat that purrs and I need to be out and
about. And so I was. A very good Wednesday.

applause, applause

Now that I'm a part-timer and have more time and less money, I am
going to become a full-time library patron again. Growing up in Pasadena,
one of the highlights of my childhood was walking into the library,
especially on a hot day in the summer. It was so cool and quiet, away
from family drama and I could escape into the world of books. I'd
browse the shelves and come home with 6 or so treasures and my
mother would sigh heavily knowing I'd be unavailable for household
chores or conversation for a couple of days. My salvation.

We have two libraries close by and last week I went to the Cortland
branch. All the computers were being used by people over 60 (school
was still in session) and I thought this interesting. San Francisco is
revamping all its libraries and that's how it should be. I also like the
Noe Valley branch where they have a glassed-in kids' section. And
now that we can order books online it's so much more convenient,
especially since we can return any book to any library in the city.

I love bookstores too, of course, but I just won't have the disposable
income and I can't remember ever walking out without a book, so
bless all libraries and librarians. One of the many benefits of our tax dollars...

our tax dollars at work

It's good to be a library customer again and Husbando says it's the
final break for me with the big box. I spent a satisfying hour or so
at the Noe Valley Public Library yesterday and came home with
two books and lots of gratitude for the fact that this branch has a
big and busy Children's Department. But wisely, the adorable
little ones are all sealed away behind glass where I can see them
and say, "it's great that those kids are reading", and yet it is
soothingly quiet on the adult side of the book world. Yes, it was
a lovely day off ~ but it flew by, as usual.