Found in a Library Book: An Unusual Exhibit at the Oakland Library

The Oakland (California) Public Library is featuring an exhibit called Found in a Library Book. This is not about information, knowledge, learning, things you expect to find in a book. No, it's about physical things, objects, items that really aren't supposed to be there. They are mostly things written on paper - notes, letters, and such, or unrelated printed matter and photographs. People forget. Usually, a librarian, finding these extraneous items, will throw them out. However, Oakland librarian Sharon McKeller was intrigued by these left behind items and began collecting them. That was over 10 years ago. Now she has a collection worthy of putting on display.

Ms. McKeller was quoted as explaining, “I wanted to share something that was really interesting to me that I had a feeling would be interesting to other people. It tells a story of our community and our city in a different and sort of unexpected way and ties back to the library.” That it does, though in the form of random snippets that provide a quick glance at the mindset of some unknown individual. Some are understandable, others baffling. In that sense, they are like people themselves.

While they are on display in the library, those not nearby Oakland can see some of them on the library's website. These are a few of the notes on display.

This person had a lot on his/her mind but those thoughts may not have been well ordered:

“Harmony

Strength

Acceptance

Just Thoughts:

I'm Alone

People Shopping Together

I never had a child or will

Thoughts Don't - Depression

Thoughts Don't Stop Me

Pregnant 18 YO

Buy Gold Teeth

Animal Shelter

From Day of Dead Letter

Good Death

Old Horse

Elephant

Dog Poem Today”

A prescription for a sigmoidoscopy. Maybe you can use it? Looks like it's still good.

A photo of a man standing in front of a sign that reads “Alter Schmuck.” It was probably taken in Germany where “alter schmuck” means alternative jewelry, but my guess is he is an American and aware of the humor. If anyone calls you a “schmuck,” assume he is calling you a jewel.

A note with just one word, “Behave.” It is then followed by a printed recipe for pot roast.

Here is a note of wisdom:

“Translation:

When you broke my heart...

You freed me

Thank you”

A note on a calendar page that for some reason the writer finds comforting. It reads “There's a great comfort in believing that there's this malignant force that we can justifiably rage against.”

This is a note of advice I promise your baby will appreciate your following when he/she has grown up. “Beginning & beyond. Fundamental of childhood. First fundamental – No naked baby Photos.”

A drawing of a cat in an ice cream sundae.

I think whoever wrote this note is looking for forgiveness: “Remember, I love you sweetheart. The past is the past, so lets not take it home with us. I just want to Love U, and be happy.”

Here's a good question, though it is a bit of a leading one: “Reading vs television. What would you rather do? Read or watch uneducated, stupid violent t.v.”

This is a typed note of friendship gone bad: “i hate you but not that much. i hate you a hundred times. you that's right i hate you a hundred times. i hate you more than anithing now bye bye you are so bad now so long loser i dont want to be your friend loser.”

This exhibit of things lost and found in library books will continue at the Oakland Public Library through December 2. Here is a link to this display online: oaklandlibrary.org/found-in-a-library-book