The Book Thing

If you could take just one photo: The Sisyphean sorting garage

Russell Wattenberg stopped for gas in Baltimore fifteen years ago, and hasn't left since. For years he supplied free books to teachers out of his van while working at a local bar, but after being given nonprofit status he started doing "you know, the book thing I've been doing," full time. Years later, The Book Thing has thousands of glorious square feet filled to capacity with shelving. The volunteer staff makes a Sisyphean effort to sort the books in the adjacent garage, but the best shelf is towards the back; "Russell's Picks," are the volumes he thinks are most likely to find a good home, and the turnover there is high. In fact, it's best get to the store close to its opening time at 9am on Saturdays and Sundays. There'll be a line forming well before the store opens as teachers and civilians alike hope to get the pick of the litter. There's no catch, take (or leave) as many books as you can carry. Just remember to sign out and leave a thank you for Russell.

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