TOMORROW: Duelling Fundraisers?

Both come courtesy of the New York Shitty inbox. I’ll start with the first one I recieved, well, first. It comes from a lady named Jeanette. She writes:

Hi Miss Heather,

We are having our second annual Book Drive Social this Saturday, 5/22, 2 PM to 6 PM at Matchless. You were so great about helping spread the word last year and we were hoping you could help again!

We are collecting donations to combat the shortage of quality literary materials in many Brooklyn public schools.  Guests can bring either a Young Adult book (new or good condition used) to get in, or make a donation of $5. We’re going to have a great time, with a DJ and readings from some local writers. We will also be raffling off a Dell Netbook and Zune touch screen MP3 player, $1 per raffle ticket. It’s a great way to spend a post-brunch afternoon!

Thanks for the kind words, Jeanette. Lest I have not made it clear (by the content on this web site) already, I am a bookworm. My parents inculcated in me the value of reading at an early age. In the absence of a conveniently located library they were able to and did purchase me a lot of books. A lot of Brooklyn youths are not so lucky. Inasmuch as their parents would like to provide them reading material (like I got), the money is simply not there. Fortunately we have public libraries. They were founded for just this purpose (by Andrew Carnegie, among others) but seem to be getting the short-shrift in our fair city’s budget crunch. Our city’s children deserve better. Please give and give generously.

Book Drive Social 2.0
Saturday, May 22, 2010 starting at 2:00 p.m.
Suggested donation: $5.00 or a book “young adults”
Bar Matchless
557 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222

Next up is this item: a “Books Behind Bars” fundraiser which will be conducted across the street at Enid’s. Duncan writes:

Books Through Bars moved, and we’re having a party to get us back on our feet!  It features awesome librarians and excellent music, so
you’d best be there.

The Desk Set (a group of young librarians who throw dope parties to raise money for organizations promoting literacy) are hosting a party at Enid’s in Williamsburg to pay for the postage we need to get back to sending books to people incarcerated all across America.

After our old space was damaged by fire, Books Through Bars moved to our new home in Freebird Bookstore, and we’ve built up a big backlog of packages that need sending and letters that need replies.  100% of contributions go to either postage or packing supplies, but we’re a bit behind and need plenty of help.

So, now you know what your Saturday holds: dancing, drinks and librarians.

Speaking as someone who has a substantial number of librarians in her family (as well as Certified Public Accountants and artists) this could be interesting. It has been my observation that artists are rank amateurs compared to the utter mayhem librarians and CPAs are capable of. Artists are only interested in snubbing you (with effete snobbery, jargon and name-dropping) on one hand while filching your Southern Comfort with the other. This is why I bring a bottle of opened red wine corked with a tampon (saturated with said wine) to any and all art openings/parties. It prevents this kind of thing.* Accountants and librarians, on the other hand, seem to be more interested in having a good time.

Books Behind Bars
Saturday, May 22, 2010 starting at 10:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: none given
Enid’s
560 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222

Miss Heather

*On a related note, tampons make good stoppers for champagne as well.