Laugh and Support a Local Library

I long have known that comedian Paula Poundstone has more of a social agenda than many stand-up comedians, although it must be said that stand-up comedy from Mort Sahl through Pete Dominick has bred many who would make you laugh while making you think. Indeed, Bill Maher has gone all the way into political comedy--and Paula Poundstone is among those who work with him.

What I did not know, until informed by Frances Marion Platt in an article in the Hudson Valley Times (passed on by the Mid-Hudson Library Friends & Fundraising email list), was that Paula Poundstone devotes a portion of her talent to supporting libraries. Ms. Platt noted the following summary of Poundstone's view of libraries:

"It's funny that we think of libraries as quiet, demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing bespectacled women. The truth is, libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community.  Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults.  Libraries can never be shushed.  If you haven't been to your library lately, you're overdue."

Regular patrons of the Pleasant Valley Free Library will easily recognize their own Library and Library staff in Poundstone's description.

Poundstone partners with local library Friends when she appears in a city to perform stand-up.  Indeed, she is the national spokesperson for the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, the national network of library supporters.

Happily, Poundstone is bringing her act to the Bardavon next Friday (February 4).  The performance will no doubt be funny and irreverent.  But the library news is that supporters of the Friends of the Poughkeepsie Library District will be in the Bardavon lobby selling copies of Poundstone's book There's Nothing in this Book that I Meant to Say. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Friends and through them the Poughkeepsie libraries.  If you want to meet Ms. Poundstone and get a signed copy of the book, the opportunity will come after the performance (scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m.).  Tickets are $36 for general admission and $31 for Bardavon members.