Physical manuscripts are stored on these shelves in the Clark County Historical Museum’s reference library. | Photo by Liza Schade, CCHM
The late author Richard Brautigan once envisioned a library “to gather pleasantly together the unwanted, the lyrical, and haunted volumes of American writing.” Imagine the peace such a place could bringtothe creators of unpublished literary works — to know that their visions + voices were at least preserved.
In Vancouver, there is a place for those pieces.
Brautigan’s idea inspired a man named Todd Lockwood to open The Brautigan Library in 1990. Though the library’s namesake wouldn’t live to see it, the space provided a home for those “unwanted” writings he once mused about — but Lockwood took it a step further, opening the library to visitors.
Originally established in Vermont, The Brautigan Library was relocated to the Clark County Historical Museum in 2010. Its mission is to archive and curate unpublished analog and digital books by unknown, but aspiring, writers.
Today, the library stores more than 300 physical copies of unpublished manuscripts submitted by authors from 1990-1996, while its digital collection continues to grow with works submitted since 2013. There’s also a special collection containing donated books written by Brautigan (who grew up in Eugene and was published by The Oregonian), records from the original Brautigan Library + artist books based on his writings.
“Rather than a literary junkyard, The Brautigan Library is a positive, and yes, winsome, endeavor as it collects, preserves, and curates unpublished manuscripts and other literary artifacts, believing each has its own, unique story to share,” said Dr. John Barber, a friend of Brautigan’s, WSU Vancouver faculty member, and librarian/curator at The Brautigan Library. “We invite you to explore.”
You can visit The Brautigan Library for yourself, read the analog manuscripts catalogued using the unique “Mayonnaise System” (though you can’t check any out to take home), browse the digital collection online, or submityour own work.
Share this story with a bookworm or aspiring novelist in your life.
Negroni Week | Now-Sun., Sept. 18 | Times vary | Locations vary | Prices vary | From Hey Love to Holy Ghost, bars and restaurants across Portland are mixing up classic + creative takes on the three-ingredient cocktail; proceeds benefit charities like Oregon Food Bank. 🥃
Swan Island Dahlia Festival | Now-Fri., Sept. 30 | Times vary | Swan Island Dahlias, 995 NW 22nd Ave., Canby | Free | DYK the nation’s largest dahlia grower is in our backyard? Stroll through rainbow-hued fields, order tubers for planting next spring, take a class + more. 🌼
Gorillaz | Wed., Sept. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Moda Center | $65+ | The English virtual band is touring North America on the heels of their new single, “Cracker Island.” 🎟️
Thursday
Swift Watch | Now-Fri., Sept. 30 | Sunset | Chapman Elementary School, 1445 NW 26th Ave. | Free | Put a bird on your summer memories by watching thousands of migratory Vaux’s swifts funnel into a chimney. 🐦
Slamlandia | Thurs., Sept. 15 | 7-9 p.m. | 925 SW Washington St. | Free | This monthly poetry open mic + slam provides a creative, welcoming space for all literary communities in Portland. 🎙️
Friday
OMSI After Dark: BrewFest | Fri., Sept. 16 | 6-10 p.m. | OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave. | $25+ | Learn about beer + hops, explore the interactive science halls, see a show in the planetarium, eat tasty food, and sample locally brewed suds. 🍺
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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You can experience the Oregon Trail this month — without dysentery or dangerous river crossings — at the Oregon Trail Game 5K on Sat., Sept. 17 in Oregon City. Runners will be challenged to get their theoretical covered wagons to safety while completing an interactive course inspired by the classic computer game. 👟 (Portland Tribune)
Coming Soon
Starter Bread’s star is rising. The acclaimed bakery has been selling loaves out of a licensed home kitchen in St. Johns since 2019 via monthly subscriptions. Now, founders Matt Kedzie + Zena Walas plan to expand into the former St. Johns Coffee Roasters space (7304 N. Leavitt Ave.) in early 2023. 🍞(Portland Monthly)
Biz
Architectural designer Jeni Nguyen started Bink Rabbit Goods after unsuccessfully searching for a piece of furniture for her + her pet bunnies. A Kickstarter campaign (active until Sat., Sept. 17) to produce her first product — a credenza/bench that holds a litter box and hay — was fully funded within two hours. 🐰 (Portland Inno)
Watch
Did you hear that? A doorbell camera captured the moment a loud peal of thunder shook Portland over the weekend, sending a resident scurrying to get indoors. Meteorologists said the boom followed a single lightning strike from a small storm. (KOIN)
Try This
Here’s a fun challenge for anyone with a camera: the Fall Back in Love with Downtown Portlandphoto contest is seeking images that capture the essence of downtown Portland in the fall. The winner will get$500, while runners-up will get the chance to sell their images at Gallery Go Go at Pioneer Place. (KOIN)
If want to take your bike on an easy, no-fuss getaway without venturing too far from home, The Oregonian writer Lizzy Acker has mapped out an overnight itinerary for you. Lizzy’s route will take you to Forest Grove via public transit, where you can explore the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway. 🚲 (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Cause
Hee-awwww — Oregon Donkey Sanctuary Northwest has been rescuing abused or neglected donkeys for over a decade. The farm in Oregon City also educates the public about donkey ownership + is raising funds to start a therapy program where children and adults can benefit from friendships with the long-eared equines. (KOIN)
Outdoors
Summer is winding down, which means it’s time for gardeners to plant cover crops. Plants that fall into this category (like legumes + grains) are hardworking soil “fixers,” adding nutrients back to tired soil, increasing aeration, suppressing weeds + reducing erosion. Timing is key: experts say to plant by September or early October. 🌾 (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
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CEO Ryan Johnston with City Editors and Branded Content Studio Editors during the 2022 6AM City company retreat in Nashville, TN. | Photo by Ash Photography
Good morning, PDX — new voice here. My name is Ryan Johnston and I am the CEO of 6AM City, the parent company and publisher of PDXtoday. First, thank you for waking up with us every morning and looking to our City Editors, Cambrie and Ben, to help you start your day and get excited about everything PDX has to offer.
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Editor’s pick: My fingers are crossed for some more rain this week as wildfires continue to impact many Oregon communities and the risk of new fires sparking remains high. Here are some tips from the City of Portland on lowering the threat of wildfires. Stay safe, everyone.
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