February 18, 2008

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

I write this generic addressee in large letters because the project for the creation of an International Poetry Library, as projected by Kimberly Mahler, is writ large in the mind and heart of a woman who is extraordinarily dedicated to bringing about the actualization of a dream that is at the same time a necessity for our city.

She should be supported in all her eflorts toward that end.

As expressed in Kim's proposal, the Library will feature many tributaries of poetic expression, though the central river will be an expression of the multilingual expressiveness of poets the world over.

In an age where, through technology, it is possible to immediately contact the other side of the world, it is immensely important for San Francisco to have its own International "House of Poetry" where poets in all the languages of the world can be accessed and read.

It was my fervent hope, as part of my plans as Poet Laureate of San Francisco, that a poet's house would be created in San Francisco; and, lo and behold, Kim Mahler has taken that idea and realized it in a way that no one else has---with imagination, care and dedication of purpose that is thorough and astounding.

We should all affrrm her proposal for the International Poetry Library, and stay in continual contact with her with our ideas and the funds necessary to make the Library a reality.

My very best to all who engage this splendid project.

Sincerely,
Jack
Poet Laureate of the Citv of San Francisco