Urban Walk

  Today I went for a walk.  Before starting off I packed a rain shell (just in case) and a handful of books to share with other Library Boxes in the neighborhood.  A neighbor had mentioned a new box off of 37th and Donald and then Hope Crandall (the steward of the Friendly Park LFL) had mentioned another new box on Olive near the Market of Choice.  A few hours on Sunday morning, a bit of urban exploring and Voila some exercise to boot.  Here's a map of my route:

  On the way to 37th & Donald I discovered tiny Willis Park which is tucked away just north of 37th and consists of a simple oak grove and picnic bench.  I'd never have noticed this park unless I was walking and happened to see a gravel path between two houses.  This park seems like a well kept neighborhood secret that's quietly enjoyed by those nearby.

On 37th just West of Donald

The "secret path" into Willis Park

  Another Sunday secret along the way to Olive street is Metropol Bakery where French pastries and fine coffee are the perfect complement to a Bakery copy of the Sunday New York Times.  Munch, munch, catch up on some great reading and then head to the next library box.  Before reaching the Olive St. LFL a short detour south on McMillian will uncover a comfortable bench and poetry box.  One of the featured poems this month is from Karma Tenzing Wangchuk:

After the rain,

she finds puddles

to jump in -

my child, knowing nothing

of the storms to come.

From: Poets Against the War, 2003

The new LFL @ 2770 Olive 

  The afternoon turned sunny and my roof gutters were calling for their annual clean out chore.  While I was clearing out gutter junk & later planting some bulbs I observed two families with small kids visit Whitty Storeys.  The first couple had a three year old who explored the box, played with the scrabble letters, crawled up on the logs and sat in the afternoon sun soaking up the rays and a book.  The parents made three attempts to leave and each time their daughter drew them back to the box.  

  A bit later a Mom and her three kids came walking across the field and spent a good length of time choosing books, reading magnetic poetry tiles and lingering around the box.  After repeated tries, Mom coaxed her kids onward and up the hill to Crest School.  It was just so enjoyable to watch these kids playing and engaging with this simple neighborhood project.

Cheers everyone... thanks for making this happen.