I’m the Executive Director of the Bright Lights Book Project. Before we had a board, I was the outreach coordinator. I still think that the latter title was the most fitting. Executive directors write grants and figure out budgets and work with volunteers. This outreach coordinator secured air freight donations and promoted the project, writing lengthy articles and securing book and financial donations.

The board decided I should be the executive director. I have continued to do the job of an outreach coordinator.

Books in the Meeting House

Neither have been paying positions. I sometimes think that if I had a paid position that the board would exert more control over my work-day affairs. I like it that I decide what to do, and when to do it. Then I think, wait, I work harder than many others in the book trade.

I also have always been of the mind that few enjoy their jobs. I enjoy what I’m doing so much that it seems inconceivable to me that I should get paid. I must get over this. When I do, I will again join the American workforce.

I don’t want a stipend. I would like a regular salary, even if it is $50.00 a week. Something constant coming in would be good.

We’re applying for a grant for a vehicle. I can’t help but think that if I was paid for the past two years work that I’d have enough money on hand for a vehicle.

This is just life, and I am not complaining.

But today was a workday, and I did a full day’s work. So did Pete.

We first went to U-Haul, and we put kids’ books and library shelving in the Tundra. We got the library shelving a couple years back. The Mat-Su Borough donated it to us – we then went to Willow and picked it up. We sent two shelves to Barrow, and today took two shelves to the Knik Charter school.

It was spring break week, and there were few people milling about. Pete, Lulu, and I unloaded the shelving and boxes – she said before we parted that they’d take more. Now these are Mat-Su School District Books – but because the Knik Charter School is a charter school, they have not had access to these books. We then, were the literary conduit.

Next, we went to Kids Kupboard and picked up most of the nonfiction books that we’d put in storage there. Our load filled the entire back of the pick-up. We then went to the Meeting House and off loaded these books. The boxes took up all the tables. I think, when we do this, that I have my work cut out for me.

Yes, I see lots of books that must be gotten into the hands of appreciative readers, and I think, I’m the one who is going to make the phone calls and coordinate this effort.

I finished my workday in fine form, by distributing five or six bins of books.

It’s a good thing I’m doing, but sad to say good things don’t pay shit.

Next: 73. 3/14/23: Moving Right Along