Rad Mini Library

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