Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Books, Bradbury, and Snoop Dogg

It's not a happy time to be a book lover in Long Beach, CA. We knew it was coming, but the official news is that our chaotic and wonderful Long Beach used book store, Acres of Books, is closing its doors on October 18, 2008. The CRA plans to redevelop the area and the owners decided to sell the property to the city. In June, Ray Bradbury spoke at the bookstore and described it this way: "I love this place. I love the smell of it. When it used to rain...I'd come to Long Beach, I'd come here to the Acres of Books and I'd go in the back. The back section has a tin roof, and you can stand there, with the rain beating on the tin roof, making you feel good. And you're picking up the books, and you smell them, and you're alone with your loves in Acres of Books. That's why I'm here." (As transcribed by lbreport.com.) It’s not pithy, but I know exactly what he meant!

Fortunately, another book crisis was averted when, on September 9, the City of Long Beach adopted a budget plan that included funds to keep the main library open. Earlier this summer, the city proposed to close the main library in order to save $1.8 million. A public outcry, including a visit by Snoop Dogg (see the picture below if you don't believe it) and a lecture by Ray Bradbury, forced the city to revise its plans. A Press Telegram article on Bradury's lecture ended with this quote: "Long Beach is part of my life," he said. "I'll be back to help you the next time you need me." Thanks Ray!