I believe in public libraries

the way I believe in public transport, and public healthcare. Which is why I love doing readings in libraries. The One City One Book Launch I did this afternoon, at Oakland's Main Library, was a perfect example. Around 50 people, with perhaps the widest diversity of age, ethnicity, background, of any group of that size I've ever performed for. People who walked in with no idea of what was going on - and stayed. No separation between performer and audience. Most importantly, it was absolutely free.

The extra bonus was the library laying on chai, samosas, parathas, naan and leeli chutney. I said to Punam, "I want all my readings in future to have chai and chaat!"

And it made me grin, wide, to see my chapbooks in the display case for the event. To know that my chapbooks are in Oakland's public libraries - and you can borrow them!