They are FINALLY re-opening the Eureka Valley library. My library! So close to my house it’s practically my spare bedroom! No more putting books on hold downtown and then being too lazy to ride the subway to get them. From now on, all the books are at my fingertips.

The library re-opens on Saturday, October 24, with a parade and the Mayor. And if you think I am not going to attend a parade for a library…well, none of you think that.

Hooray!

I do think it’s funny that Bay Areans hunker down so fearfully when we hear there’s a storm on its way. I do think that.

But I have to admit, there’s something mighty unsettling about weather that knocks and knocks and knocks to be let in, like the terrifying little boy in that one Doctor Who episode. And then the trees thrash their heads around like dancey-pants Ents, the roads slick up, the drivers stare balefully at the sky like it’s still Fleet Week and don’t look where they’re going: it’s a mess out there. I’m glad I can stay inside today.

Of course, now that I’ve reminded myself of that creepy-ass Doctor Who episode, I am kind of wishing there was someone else here to keep me company.

This is not my empty child.

judder shake and blast

steel birds build a nest of noise

it’s fleet week again

Litquake kicks off on Friday with their first annual Book Ball. Loosely based on Truman Capote’s famous (IN-famous?) Black & White Ball, this one will be much cheaper and more casual and, more importantly, will not force you to interact with Truman Capote.

Consider the things you find distasteful at all those other balls you attend: snooty music, strange cocktails, seriousness. You guys, this ball doesn’t have any of that! The music is provided by a high school jazz combo; the cocktail alternative is Litquake-brand beer (though there will be cocktails, too); and forget seriousness: the event will provide masks of famous authors’ faces at the door for anyone who really wants to relive that Capote party. Or you can come in a DIY mask. Or no mask. The stated dress code is “fabulous and mysterious,” which is pretty much what I want my dress code to be for life. Also, there should in theory be a ton of famous authors there, and granted I haven’t really heard of anyone who wrote before 1900, but it’s never too late to learn.

This is one of those city events I always want to attend and can never find anyone to go with. I used to get around this by getting sent there by a newspaper, but I am unemployed now. Doesn’t someone want to take pity, get all dressed up and fancified and come with me?

Tickets are $19.99 and this includes one drink and “nibbles,” which I’m hoping means food and not some Rocky Horror-esque hazing ritual.