Folio

Unilocalers, read, too.
And not just their smartphone messages.
Let us not forget that.
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After having passed by the historic Boston Athenaeum the last time I was in the eponymous city, I was surprised to learn of plans to open one of its kind here in the Emerald City that so often lauds its own level of cultural literacy.
Though unable to attend any of the pre-​opening events – due to unforeseen circumstances – , in memory of my immigrant father, who, stressing the importance of learning brought me to the opening of the old Seattle Downtown Library in 1962 when I was seven years old, I am considering making a donation in his name.
Not based on the «buzz» factor but for sentimental reasons, albeit. But the site looks good, and I am been an admirer of the downtown building on 4^th Avenue for years.
I have not actually been inside, the low ceilings putting me off somewhat (after all, it is on the basement level) and made me initially think more of a cavernous bunker.
At the opening, one of the board members that I knew in high school was so gracious to overlook a very unfair remark I made about someone very close to her years ago.
That said, I do take umbrage from those who criticize Folio for either being (1) too old or (2) not being diverse enough. With hours being as limited as they are, it’s unlikely that most working people will be able to visit. Baby boomers need a place too!
Furthermore, I appreciate, as a person of color, an atmosphere where all can feel comfortable and welcome without a contentiousness, finger-​pointing, openly expressed or polite-​subliminal, and belligerence that seems to have enveloped almost all of this city’s cultural and civic institutions.
Lastly, I am not so sure – much as I would like to – , even with a discount for Folio supporters. that I can recommend membership (upstairs) at the downtown YMCA, where Nurse Ratchid Hannibal Lecter, among others, have been in residence for years. (I was a member there until recently. There were serious problems.).
Civic organizations should not settle for the lowest common denominator, something which is at odds with the implied raison d’etre of Folio.
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I am uncertain whether the annual membership dues of $ 120 or so are worth it for someone like myself who does not feel in his/​her comfort zone reading either at the Seattle Public Library or in one of the ubiquitous Starbuck’s and would drop in only every so often to get out of the house, which I admit is preferable to most public venues in this city.