Around Town: Looking for a few good books

Our house has always been awash in books. A couple of years ago, we donated more than 2,500 books to the La Cañada Flintridge branch of the county library system. I had mixed feelings about the donation — most of the books had belonged to our late son, Andrew, who loved his books. I think he’d be happy that his books are back in circulation.

I don’t know whether La Cañada library sold the books, or put them on the shelves, but somewhere, someone is reading Andrew’s books, which is very cool because books want to be held. Books like to have their pages turned.

That’s why I’m going through the house again, looking to cull our books. Some will go to the La Cañada library. Others will go to Libros Schmibros.

Libros Schmibros, a free lending library and used bookstore in Boyle Heights, is looking for a few good books.

Unlike the La Cañada library, which has few restrictions for its annual sale, Libros Schmibros has specific needs:

Books in Spanish for any age, on any topic.

Literary fiction, both classic and modern, including classics for high school students.

Books by Charles Bukowski and Hunter S. Thompson.

Interesting, quality literature and nonfiction.

The plea for more Bukowski is difficult. I can live without Hunter S. Thompson, but I could never part with my tattered copy of “The Days Run Away Like Wild Horses,” although I ration my forays inside. The bright beat of Bukowski’s rhythm (and profanity) will thump in my head for days.

Meanwhile, David Kipen, who used his own collection of 7,000 books to establish Libros Schmibros in July 2010, continues to collect books for distribution in the community. You can catch Kipen this month at the Hammer Museum in Westwood, when its Public Engagement program will showcase an artist project by Kipen from Aug. 27 to Oct. 9. Libros Schmibros will be set up in the Hammer Museum’s lobby gallery.

The opening, on Aug. 27, will combine with a book donation drive. The museum is located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90024.

Onward to literacy!

ANITA SUSAN BRENNER is a longtime La Cañada Flintridge resident and an attorney with Law Offices of Torres and Brenner in Pasadena. Email her at anitasusan.brenner@yahoo.com.

Around Town: Looking for a few good books - LA Canada