In The Era Of Streetwise: Seattle 1983-1984

Follow us throughout the fall for posts which highlight library resources and information that supports the Tiny: Streetwise Revisited exhibit at the Central Library and its community programming.

Seattle Skyline 1983

Streetwise was a documentary released in 1984 that showed us “even in a town that billed itself as America’s most livable city, there still existed rampant homelessness and desperation” [1]. Today, as the mayor declares a state of emergency in response to the homeless crisis and the ever growing need for affordable housing, it’s at our attention now more than ever, but what was Seattle like in the era of Streetwise…

Streetwise Revisited: Memoirs and Biographies

Follow us throughout the fall for posts which highlight library resources and information that supports the Tiny: Streetwise Revisited exhibit at the Central Library and its community programming.

Memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies are a common way for people to write their own personal history or the history of others. Here are a few books written by and about people who are currently or who have been homeless at some point in their lives.

Pitch Black: Don’t Be Skerd by Youme Landowne and Anthony Horton is the result of Anthony, who resides under the New York City subway, meeting Youme, a book artist.  They strike up a conversation on the subway one day and find out they are both artists.  Part of Anthony’s life makes up this slim but powerful graphic novel.  Here’s a peek into Anthony’s life that happens countless times every single day: “People don’t see me. As far as they’re concerned … I don’t exist.”  There are ups and downs in Anthony’s life and I recommend, no I actually dare you, to read this book.

Streetwise Revisited: Library Resources

Follow us throughout the fall for posts which highlight library resources and information that supports the Tiny: Streetwise Revisited exhibit at the Central Library and its community programming.

The Seattle Public Library is hosting the Streetwise Revisited: A 30-year Journey photography exhibit by Mary Ellen Mark exploring the lives of youth and families experiencing homelessness.

It begins next Thursday, September 15 through Thursday, November 3 at the Central Library in the Level 8 Gallery.  Public programs will take place in library and community locations.

For more information about the Exhibit and a calendar of the programs and film screenings, please visit the Streetwise Revisited page.