Sunday morning at the

Mid Manhattan library, using their computer. This is a unique place. Since it is opened around 10 on Sundays, I notice many people in the large room to the west of the computers. who look like they are homeless or very poor. Now I have just seen the notice that the library will close down in August for a three year makeover. Necessary? Will it send these people back to the streets.? A lending library is promised for across the street during this time, with computers, but will it serve this population. This seems to be a safe place for these people, what will be the effect of the closing. It seems unnecessary to me; this collection is a very strong one, larger than the ones at the local branches. Upsetting in its own way.
  Last night: finally got out. Was tired but determined to see Quest, the movie at BAM new black cinema festival. Glad that I did, a very strong look at a black family living in north Philidelphia, a working class neighborhood, that the politicians seem to have forgotten. The couple has a daughter, in the middle of the movie she is shot by a stray bullet while playing basketball in the playground. The bullet goes into her eye, and although she survives and becomes healthy again, she loses the eye. It changes the course of the whole documentary. It all ends happily, but the street shooting does not stop----the movie shows a large neighborhood contingent doing everything in its power to stop it.
Basically a very uplifting movie---also taught me a lot about black Philidelphia. Very white people in the movie, the neighborhood seems totally isolated, but the filmmaker, who followed the family for eight years, is himself white. He and his producer were not there for the talk back, but a nice talk back followed. Good old BAM, fun to be there.
Afterwards, stomach ready for a beer---but pretty tired, ended up going to the nearby sports bar, Mullanes-a little bit against my will, the place was decently crowded, the bartender very nice, recognized me from the past, even though I have not been there since the summer of last year. Watched the end of the Oakland--Houston game, chatting with an Oakland fan nearbye, made it kind of interesting. Added some french fries to my beer---actually I like the place very much, even if it is crowded, the atmosphere is basically welcoming.
Walked down Fulton to Nevins street station, about four new restaurants-bars on the way, the have emerged out to the new buildings that are on Fulton. God, how many people were out---it is like,"if you build it they will come"---no end of people sitting outside in the restaurants. Looked in at a few places on my trip to Nevins, prices high as usual---can't get out of any of those places without a minimum of about $15.00. Returned home and went to bed.
Today, will visit Cobra and South fourth for company, at least that is the play as of now. Maybe a long walk in between, maybe a bus ride that I feel I owe myself, we'll see---will report back soon.