My first job was shelving books at my local library. Whenever I move somewhere new, one of the first things I do is find the local library and look through its shelves. The main branch of the Chicago Public Library allowed me to learn much of what I know about literature, art, and music. Of course, I would love to own a copy of every book I read. But however much money I do or do not have at any time in my life, the books at the library are always free.

I have been tremendously fortunate to have access to the Berkeley Library since moving to the East Bay in 2015. It was only then that I really started reading contemporary poetry. Their literature section is bigger than the literature sections at the main branches of many city libraries. Whoever orders books for them is obviously very well informed about contemporary American poetry especially. They are also part of a linked library system that allows patrons to borrow books from many of the libraries throughout the state of California.

I have learned more about the possibilities of poetry since I began using the Berkeley Library than I did in all of my life before that. If not for the Berkeley Library, I would not be the poet I am.