To say it is a pong would be an egregious disservice to the stench of body odor that is embedded in the carpets, furniture and permeated throughout the inhabitants. Men lounge about in various states of consciousness. A man curses as he knocks over his soda bottle. Then he returns to slumber as it pours out all over the floor.
I try to focus my attention on my task when the fetor of marijuana strikes my nostrils. I look up to see a man rolling a large blunt with total impunity, fervently licking the edges only a few feet away. I try to tune out the tumult as a woman’s delirious wails slice through my concentration, her vociferations much resembling those of the northeastern screech owl.
The book I’m reading, and the table and chair I’m sitting on, all seem to be bedaubed with some mixture of grease and urine. Defiant youths repose with dirty feet on tables and chairs. A man staggers over, smelling of liquor. The phone he carries with him is playing expletive laden rap music loudly through the speaker. He sits down next to me, unfettered by anyone’s desire for peace.
This is the Eugene Public Library that we voted for and paid for.
Eric Harris
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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