What: A party to celebrate books, and to give away hundreds of them! (Also, as a sub-theme, to celebrate Shakespeare's Birthday.)
Where:
Melville Keep.
When: Saturday, April 19th, starting at 1:00 P.M., lasting until the last housemate standing kicks people out.
* We will provide cheap plastic shopping bags to put books in. If you want more sturdy containers, bring them.
* Consider finding a car or ride for this party. While we are T-accessible, I hope to load you down with lots of books before you leave :-)
* First-come, first-serve.
Q: Why are you giving away so many books?
A: Partially a vaguely Buddhist sense that fewer possessions = more happiness. But mostly, a realization that I am happy to read books on my Palm, and that I can reclaim a lot of shelf-space by going digital.
Q: What a great idea! Can I bring my own books to give away?
A: Yes, but with the following condition: If no one else takes them, you *must* take them back with you. A major purpose of this party is to reduce the number of books I have to get rid of in other fashions, so I don't want to have to deal with yours as well. This means that you will have to keep them well clear of the piles I am putting out, and keep track of them.
Q: What sort of books are you giving away?
A: About 80% are Fiction (mostly SF/Fantasy) which I have found ebook replacements for. About 10% are books that I decided I just don't need any more even if I can't replace them. And about 10% are culls from
kestrell's library. So, as opposed to most 'free book' piles, the vast majority of these books are actually ones that I consider to be worth having!
Q: How do I know which are "the good ones"?
A: Ask. And not just me; I want this party to have wide-ranging bibliophilic discussions :-)
Q: Hey, did you know that this book over here is really valuable?
A: Maybe. But I'm happy to give it to a friend.
Q: Does that mean I can take it and sell it on ebay?
A: I would really rather you didn't. If no one else takes it by the end of the evening, and if you gave me a cut of the take, I would not object.
Q: Should I bring food or anything?
A: If you like, though that follows the same rule as bringing books: if it doesn't get eaten, you get to take it back home with you. (In a communal house of this size, fridge space is always at a premium.) Some munchies will be provided. If lots of people bring food, it becomes a pot-luck; if they don't, we'll probably order pizza when we get hungry.
Q: Should I RSVP?
A: Appreciated, but not required.