Published October 15, 2024

Let’s call this a test of the power of the internet. Maybe the power of appealing to someone’s boredom or ennui. Possibly the power of friendship. Definitely the power of begging.

I need someone to look up something for me. Trust me: It’s not available online. I’d make a few phone calls, but that hasn’t gone well for me lately. But I have an idea that seems all but foolproof.

If I were in Lake Charles, Louisiana, I’d go to the Calcasieu Parish Public Library Central Branch on West Claude Street and search for it. It’d probably take an hour, tops. There are coffee shops nearby, and I’d probably stop at one of those.

But that internet I mentioned says it’s 2,548 miles from me by car (fastest route). And I can’t fly or take enough time off to ride a train, so it’s not an errand I can do at this time.

If I knew someone there who’d be willing to do this for me, I’d buy that coffee for them. Maybe throw in something from the bakery.

What do you think?

I’m willing to bet someone out there hasn’t been to the library in a minute and would love to have an excuse to go. Is that you or someone you know?

If so, please use the Contact form!

There it is! I’m making it easy! That’s what it looks like! Doesn’t that look like a good place to spend part of your day? Just drive up and down West Claude till you spot it!

Thank you for your time! This much, and maybe more!

Update

EDITING TO ADD: I hit the jackpot! A handful of people volunteered or asked if I still needed the favor, but I got what I needed almost immediately! Thank you, Michael McHale! And thank you, Theresa Hay Needham! And thank you, Peter O’Carroll and others! Thank you, Santa!

This is another leaf on the tree of my sometimes blowing-in-the-wind belief that life wants to hand you lovely surprises when you ask it to. I’m so grateful.

Oh, and for future reference: The Pujo library branch has Lake Charles American Press issues on microfilm. Central does not. I learned something! Thanks, all!

Image by Silo Creativo.