Every Wednesday at 11 AM, a unique form of community engagement comes alive in Portland at NW 19th and Davis. Street Books, a nonprofit mobile library, rolls out on a trike, offering access to literature for those experiencing homelessness and other forms of precarity.
The vibrancy of the sidewalk surrounding Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is apparent as people, dogs, and conversations intermingle. On one spring morning, titles such as Kindred by Octavia Butler and Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead are showcased on the mobile library’s shelves. The presence of books serves not only as entertainment but also as a bridge for connection amidst the backdrop of free lunches and community gossip.
Street Books acknowledges that it cannot meet every immediate need of its patrons; requests for medications, supplies, and other necessities frequently arise. However, the organization remains firmly committed to providing books as an essential part of its mission. Community outreach coordinator Diana Rempe emphasizes that the work of Street Books is about fostering human relationships in an environment often characterized by survival-focused interactions.
Rempe notes, “Street Books is about imagining a different kind of interaction between people who don’t know one another, who are suffering in or experiencing the world in radically different ways.” The organization seeks to create a space where patrons feel valued beyond their needs and can engage in meaningful exchanges.
Author Omar El Akkad, who began supporting Street Books after moving to Portland in the mid-2010s, shared his perspective on the importance of literature in such contexts. He highlights how the act of lending books can signify acknowledgment of the rich inner lives of individuals often reduced to stereotypes of need. “I don’t want to live in a community where certain groups of human beings are essentially expected to do nothing more than continue existing at the most basic level,” El Akkad stated.
While the focus on literature remains paramount, Street Books also provides essential supplies on busy days. Patrons leave with practical items such as LED flashlights and bandages, as well as harm-reduction resources including Naloxone for opioid overdose prevention. Codirector of programs and operations Josh Pollock explains that these efforts complement the organization’s book lending mission, reflecting a commitment to the overall well-being of its patrons.
The operation extends an informal invitation to borrow books, with no formal registration or penalties for late returns. The process is simple: patrons mention their first names and the titles they wish to borrow, promoting a sense of trust and community. Requests like, “Do you have the latest Write Around Portland?” illustrate how patrons engage with the library’s offerings and invest in one another’s interests.
Principal contributors to Street Books, such as Karen Russell, highlight the role the organization plays in building community bridges. Russell, a regular librarian and board member, remarked, “There just aren’t that many spaces where housed and unhoused neighbors in our city get together.” This sense of community was palpable during Street Books’ 15th anniversary celebration, an event that included performances, readings, and a unique interactive experience combining art and literature.
Participants enjoyed food, attended performances, and engaged with “grief stenographers” who documented their feelings, further fostering a sense of collective experience. This celebration, akin to a momentary utopia, offers a glimpse into a world where different social divisions dissolve, even if just for a fleeting moment.
Russell reflects on the importance of such events, stating, “We get to experience that kind of belonging, and what it could be like if we had a different world premised on different values.” The event encapsulated the core philosophy of Street Books: creating connections that transcend traditional barriers and fostering a sense of belonging for all, regardless of their circumstances.
Ultimately, Street Books strives to fight for the humanity of its patrons, advocating the idea that everyone, regardless of their living situation, deserves access to literature and the bonds it can create. In doing so, it showcases the potential for a more compassionate and interconnected community, where each individual is both seen and valued.
Through a simple act of lending a book, Street Books transforms transient interactions into meaningful relationships, reminding us of the profound impact that community-driven initiatives can have on fostering inclusivity and understanding.
image source from：pdxmonthly
