I was thinking today that the most amazing thing about the book project is that I continually see the best and the worst of human nature. I have never before, in my life had this be so apparent.

Today was an excellent example. First of all, the high level of community support continues. In the past 24 hours I have gotten two donation offers, one a book by local writer, and the second financial support from an avid bookcase browser. I of course am moved by the high level of generosity because both of these individuals are financially strapped.

Alys sorting

Then, too, the low level of overall project support from the recycling center continues. There are some on the staff and some on the board who just don’t want to see the Bright Lights Book Project grow and prosper.

In the instance of the former, I feel like a balloon has been affixed to my head and lifting me upwards. And in the instance of the latter, I feel like a concrete block has been affixed to my feet and is pulling me downwards. Dealing with these extremes has made me feel really tired.

Another example: Today I went to the Palmer Senior Center apartments, in order to drop off goat milk to one of the residents and to also stock the downstairs bookcase. Mary, who lives here, was outside when I pulled up. She greeted me warmly, then relayed the bad news. Apparently, someone saw me enter the apartment lobby on Tuesday, and passed the word on to the administrative powers that be. They told Mary to tell me that I wasn’t allowed in the building.

I told Mary that this wasn’t a problem. She told me that it was a problem, that she and the others should have access to good books. I could not disagree with that. I then asked if there was any other place that might be receptive to having free books. Mary said that she’d heard that they were very welcoming over at Willow Pointe Apartments, which is located down the street from the Palmer Senior Center.

So I drove over there and introduced myself to a woman sitting behind Plexi-glass. She greeted me with considerable kindness and warmth, and then listened attentively as I explained to her about the Bright Lights Book Project. She then said sure, they have bookcases and would welcome my removing old books and replacing them with new ones.

This is what I did. I just got a start on what could be yet another project. The books are on shelves about shoulder height, and they are three-deep. We agreed that new books could go into a Bright Lights Book Project bookcase.

Gosh, everything should be so easy.

Why is it that some choose to be supportive and some do not? This is not a political/partisan issue. It’s simply about getting books into the hands of readers.

I am tired of the negative but of course doing the best I can, by focusing on the positive.

Next: 306. 11/5/21: Up and Down