In Memory of Kate Connolly

My friend Kate passed away. Rest in peace, Kate.


In Memory of Kate Connolly

Kate Connolly, co-founder of Librarians for Intellectual Freedom, passed
away on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, in Port Townsend, Washington, after a
brief struggle with cancer. “Librarians for Intellectual Freedom” (LIF),
was Kate’s brainchild, formed with her colleague, Tarnel Abbott, at the
Richmond Public Library in 2001.

These are a few of Kate’s words about LIF: “After the horrific events of
September 11th, we watched in dismay as the Patriot Act, which grossly
violates our Bill of Rights, was rushed through Congress…The Librarians for
Intellectual Freedom is a [volunteer,] grassroots organization, supported
through donations, and dedicated to the concept of intellectual freedom as
expressed by the Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and Freedom
to Read Statements… Our purpose is to bring crucial information to the
public that is not given much, or any, attention in the mainstream media.
We invite you, if you live within the San Francisco Bay Area, to attend our
monthly “Outside the Mainstream” video viewings…” (From the LIF webpage
that Kate constructed, which is no longer active.)

In addition to the LIF film program, Kate was instrumental in helping to
bring forward anti-PATRIOT ACT ordinances in several Bay Area
municipalities, participated in many anti-war demonstrations before and
after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, and helped in the struggle to save the
Richmond Public Library at a time when it was threatened with closure as a
result of a massive city budget deficit. In May of 2004, along with 2/3 of
our staff, cataloging librarian Kate Connolly was laid-off from the
library. She re-located in Salt Spring Island, British Columbia (Canada)
and Port Townsend, Washington. She had hoped to start a program similar to
LIF in her new home/s in the Northwest.

“Librarians for Intellectual Freedom” continues as Kate wished it to with
the help of community volunteers Soula Culver and Devin O’Keefe. As Devin
put it “Kate helped me form my political consciousness”. Kate helped wake
so many people up politically and kept her fighting spirit to the end. She
is sorely missed. We will continue the struggle for truth and social
justice and never forget Kate and her courage.

Tarnel Abbott, Soula Culver & Devin O’Keefe
March 9, 2006
Richmond, California

Weekend Update

Still shocked about Kate. SO FAST.

Hiking on Saturday, UGH, on about 5 hours sleep. Lit off up the mt. by myself without waiting for rest of group; waited at peak of mountain for rest of group, only to discover they were hiking by time not destination. Oops. Well, I like quiet. Also: Snow on mountain! In my county! I ate snow at 10:30 AM on a Saturday!! On the way down, fell, bruised one knee and sprained the other ankle. Been there, done that; the trick is to lie still (not bent, but don't get up) for about 10-15 mins. after the fall. Don't know why, but it helps minimize it. Hiked out. Met up with and had hot beverage with rest of group at Comforts, enjoyed an outdoor hot tub, went home, friend came over, we watched Tivo - she'd never watched any eps of the shows that I watch most often. Fun day.

Sunday, took Mom to Eight Below, a sled dog movie. Loved it! Went through about a dozen tissues. ::sniff:: Turkey pastrami Reuben sandwiches just can't be beat. Then, Arlo Guthrie concert, drinks with friends after, home, more Tivo viewing.