Rad Mini Library

Healing Justice Lineages: Dreaming at the Crossroads of Liberation, Collective Care, and Safety Cara Page (Author); Erica Woodland (Author); Aurora Levins Morales (Foreword) From AK Press: In this anthology, Black Queer Feminist editors Cara Page and Erica Woodland guide readers through the history, legacies, and liberatory practices of healing justice—a political strategy of collective care and safety that intervenes on generational trauma from systemic violence and oppression. They call forth the ancestral medicines and healing practices that have sustained communities who have survived genocide and oppression, while radically imagining what comes next. Anti-capitalist, Black feminist, and abolitionist, Healing Justice Lineages is a profound and urgent call to embrace community and survivor-led care strategies as models that push beyond commodified self-care, the policing of the medical industrial complex, and the surveillance of the public health system. Centering disabi...

Great resource from @theconsciouskid  "This collection of children’s books centers and uplifts Palestinian voices and stories, which are often erased, suppressed or punished. It also includes books by Arab and Muslim authors that affirm Arab and Muslim identities and provide opportunities to educate about Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism. Stories have a profound impact on shaping perceptions, and in turn, actions. The narratives that we are told and surrounded with shape how we see and treat each other. Through the power of storytelling, we invite young readers and their families to dispel stereotypes, foster empathy and challenge racism, Islamophobia and dehumanization." https://www.theconsciouskid.org/palestine

From @haymarketbooks Poet, writer, scholar Dr. Refaat Alareer was killed with his family this week in Palestine. Attendees at his vigil in Chicago flew kites and recited his poem "If I must die" If I must die, you must live to tell my story  to sell my things  to buy a piece of cloth  and some strings,  (make it white with a long tail)  so that a child, somewhere in Gaza  while looking heaven in the eye  awaiting his dad who left in a blaze-  and bid no one farewell  not even to his flesh  not even to himself-  sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above  and thinks for a moment an angel is there  bringing back love  If I must die  let it bring hope  let it be a tale

From today until December 5th, @publishers4palestine is offering over free 37 ebooks in multiple languages from participating publishers that highlight Palestinian art, culture, organizing, and solidarity work. https://publishersforpalestine.org/2023/11/29/free-ebooks-for-readpalestine-week-november-29-december-5/

Even though the IRL Rad Mini Library is on pause, we are still reading Rad books. Here are a couple of recommendations this week.  This recommendation comes from my 9 year old-- Drama by Raina Telgemeier "I really like the storyline, because it is about older kids putting on a play. It's cool that there are queer characters in this story." This book was recommended on my favorite podcast "Movement Memos" by writer and organizer Kelly Hayes -- The Palestine Laboratory by Antony Loewenstein It is an important resource to understand how Israel’s occupation strategies and technology are being exported around the world. We all need to understand this.

The Rad Mini Library is going on an indefinite pause. There are a few factors for this.  One, I am personally running low on resources to constantly stock the library with snacks, personal care items, and rad books. I am grateful for the contributions from neighbors and friends, but the need is more than what we can all provide. Second, the library has evolved into a free store, which has created a lot of trash. Unfortunately, the trash is being thrown up and down the block, which I regularly pick up.  Third, today's prank goes against the hope of the Rad Mini Library, which is to bring a little care, joy, and rad books to the community. Even though the prank isn't too terrible - 3 cans worth of tomato juice poured into the little treasure box - this isn't an act of care.

From Haymarket Books: Publishing books on the struggle for justice in Palestine has been a central part of Haymarket’s mission since we published our first book, The Struggle for Palestine, in 2001. Now as ever, we recognize the root cause and ongoing perpetrator of violence in Palestine to be Israeli settler-colonialism and apartheid, and we stand in solidarity with Palestinians in their struggle for freedom. We also believe that books, as tools for education, analysis, combatting misinformation, and inspiration, have a vital role to play in the global Palestine solidarity movement. In that spirit, we’ve made three crucial books free to download: https://www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/495-free-ebooks-for-a-free-palestine

This Rad Book has been added to the Rad Mini Library, and this book is particularly rad. How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective Edited by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor From Haymarket Books: https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/1108-how-we-get-free The Combahee River Collective, a path-breaking group of radical black feminists, was one of the most important organizations to develop out of the antiracist and women’s liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s. In this collection of essays and interviews edited by activist-scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, founding members of the organization and contemporary activists reflect on the legacy of its contributions to Black feminism and its impact on today’s struggles.

It's Free Food Saturday at The Rad Mini Library!  In the cooler: Cherry tomatoes from HAFA Cucumbers from HAFA Bananas Apples Oranges Applesauce HAFA is Hmong American Farmers Association and they have a Thanksgiving CSA that looks amazing! Sign up by October 30 https://www.hmongfarmers.com/thanksgiving-csa/ In the box: Ritz peanut butter cracker sandwiches Carnation breakfast mix Goldfish crackers And restocked: Kids / small size face masks Adults / large size face masks Pocket tissues Toothpaste Toothbrushes 

The essentials have been restocked in The Rad Mini Library! Toothpaste Toothbrushes Pocket tissues Small / Kids size face masks Large / Adult size face masks Tampons and pads Take care out there!

This Rad Book has been added to the Rad Mini Library: All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson. This "memoir -manifesto" is a beautiful story of the author growing up and becoming a young adult, trying to discover who they are as a Black and queer person. They describe how their identity evolved in their hometown, with family, friends, at college, and with chosen family. 

It's Free Food Friday at the Rad Mini Library! In the cooler this week, October 6: Green beans Cherry tomatoes Jalapeño peppers Bell peppers Oranges Bananas Sweet potatoes Apples The beautiful green beans, tomatoes and peppers are from the Hmong American Farmers Association. In the library this week: Chocolate chip mini muffins Peanuts Goldfish crackers and pretzels Fruit snacks Thank you to a generous friend who continues to contribute many snacks!

Thank you to friends and neighbors for your contributions of snacks, food, tea, toys, and books!  The mini treasure box was replaced with a newly painted domed box. The last one was already falling apart, and the unseasonably warm temps and humidity made for a moldy mess. 

A rad book has been added to the Rad Mini Library!  How to Raise an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

It's Free Food Friday at the Rad Mini Library!  In the cooler this week, September 29: Apples Oranges Bananas Mini peppers Pre-sliced bagels Apple juice In the library: Goldfish crackers Goldfish pretzels Fruit snacks Peanuts Carnation breakfast mix

A new book has been added to the Rad Mini Library! The Lonely Book by Meg Grehan This is sweet story brought me to tears!

These books have been added to the Rad Mini Library! Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility. Essays edited by Rebecca Solnit & Thelma Young Lutunatabua. Dawn: A Lilith's Brood Novel by Octavia E. Butler 

It's Free Food Friday at the Rad Mini Library! In the cooler this week, September 22: Chili peppers Jalapeño peppers Kale English muffins Apples Oranges Bananas The beautiful veggies are from the Hmong American Farmers Association. Enjoy!

It's Free Food Friday at the Rad Mini Library! In the cooler this week, September 15: Carrots Mini sweet peppers Oranges Apples Bananas Wheat bread Plain bagels

It's COVID-y out there. We all know someone with COVID right now. The Rad Mini Library is now stocked with care products to help neighbors get through this.  N95 masks Kid KN95s and KF94s Pocket tissues Hand sanitizer Herbal tea Emergen-C Vitamin C packets Also find: Toothpaste Toothbrushes Period products Snacks Apple juice Rad books!

Personal Care Products have been restocked at the Rad Mini Library: Bamboo toothbrushes Toothpaste Ultra thin pads Tampons Pocket tissues  K94 masks, size small / youth N95 masks, adult Yes, and a 1990 Ken doll needs a new home.

It's Free Food Friday at the Rad Mini Library! This week, September 8: Oranges Red potatoes Flour tortillas Orgain protein shakes Apple juice Garlic summer sausage  Green beans from my garden The snacks stock is low, just Cheezits and peanuts.  Enjoy!

This Rad Book has been added to the Rad Mini Library! Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

It was a busy week at the Rad Mini Library! The snacks, rad books, period products, tissues, masks, candy flew off the shelves hours after the library was restocked every day! Thank you to the neighbors who contributed rad books! Thank you to the neighbor who contributed snacks! Thank you to a friend who contributed snacks and candy! Loving the community care!! In the cooler this week, August 31: Japanese eggplant* Green beans* Leeks* Plums Apples Oranges Apple juice  *From the Hmong American Farmers Association! In the Rad Mini Library this week: Cheezits Peanuts Fruit breakfast bars Fruit snacks Graham crackers  Bubblegum

It's Free Food Friday at the Rad Mini Library!  Free Food Friday actually started on Wednesday this week, so neighbors could get a cool drink or snack from the cooler during this scary heatwave. But, more food will be added for Friday! In the cooler this week, August 25: Eggplant* Green beans** Tomatoes*** Baby carrots Radishes Apples Corn tortillas  Water *From the Hmong American Farmers Association! **From my garden! ***From friends! The snacks and sweets go fast every day, and there are requests for more. The Rad Mini Library this week has: Chips and pretzels  Cookies Bubblegum Graham crackers Fruit snacks Lollipops Thanks to a friend for the contribution of the candy that went all at once!

Two Rad books have been added to the Rad Mini Library! Guidebook and tarot deck  Tarot of the Divine: A Deck and Guidebook Inspired by Deities, Folklore, and Fairy Tales from Around the World by Yoshi Yoshitani Emma: A Play in Two Acts about Emma Goldman, American Anarchist by Howard Zinn

Fresh Veggies Friday is now Free Food Friday! This project is growing beyond veggies in a box on Friday to fresh food in a cooler Friday to Sunday or when food runs out.  In the cooler this week, August 18: Kale* Japanese eggplant* Parsley* Baby carrots Radishes Apples English muffins Water Apple juice *From the Hmong American Farmers Association! There have been several requests for snacks and sweets. The Rad Mini Library this week has: Chips and Cheetos  Cookies Bubblegum Graham crackers Fruit snacks Peanuts Lollipops Ritz cheese sandwich crackers* *Thanks to a friend for the contribution of the crackers!

First, big thanks to the neighbor who gave their cooler to The Rad Mini Library! Now more produce can be shared!  August 11: Cabbage Green beans Long beans Pickling cucumbers Carrots Collard greens Jalapeño peppers The green beans are from my garden, and the beautiful veggies are from the Hmong American Farmers Association. Enjoy!

Two totally rad books have been added to the Rad Mini Library: Abolition. Feminism. Now. By Angela Y. Davis, Gina Dent, Erica R. Meiners, and Beth Richie Let This Radicalize You by Kelly Hayes & Mariame Kaba

Added to the Rad Mini Library is the book "Zapatista Spring: Anatomy of a Rebel Water Project & the Lessons of International Solidarity" by Ramon Ryan.

It's a Special Fresh Veggies Friday at the Rad Mini Library! August 4: Cabbage Green beans Kale Pickling cucumbers Leeks And.... watermelon slices! And... cartons of water! The green beans are from my garden, the veggies are from the Hmong American Farmers Association, and a neighbor contributed the watermelon slices. Enjoy!

Two rad books have been added to the Rad Mini Library! A Quick and Easy Guide to Consent by Isabella Rotman A Quick and Easy Guide to Queer and Trans Identities by Mady G and Jules Zuckerberg

The Rad Mini Library is now restocked!  Sunchips, cheezits, peanuts, fruit snacks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pocket tissues, ultra-thin pads, tampons, KN95s & KF94s and new to the RML is.... water! We all need to stay hydrated in these boiling hot temps! JUST Water - 100% Spring Water, Naturally Alkaline, 8.0 pH - Plant-Based, BPA Free, Sustainable and Fully Recyclable Boxed Water Bottle There are still some great Rad books for young people and grownups!

It's Fresh Veggies Friday at the Rad Mini Library! July 28: Cabbage Green beans Red onions Bitter gourd Some of the green beans are from my garden, and the beautiful cabbage, bitter gourd, beans and onions are from the Hmong American Farmers Association. Enjoy!

A local org gave the Rad Mini Library a big stack of picture books and short chapter books. They would make for a great at-home library for kids!

Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros is a book written for young people, but older people should also read it!

New rad books have been added to the Rad Mini Library! A Quick and Easy Guide to Sex & Disability by A. Andrews (Zine) Strengthening Anarchism's Gender Analysis: Lessons from the Transfeminist Movement by j. rogue JesusDevil The Parables by Alexis De Veaux

It's Fresh Veggies Friday at the Rad Mini Library! July 21: Kale Zucchini  Green beans The green beans are from my garden and the beautiful kale and zucchini are from the Hmong American Farmers Association. Enjoy!