Greg Hill ran public libraries for over 30 years, beginning in Seguin, Texas where with his job he inherited a weekly newspaper column. His predecessors journalistic efforts were limited to upcoming library programs and new books, and, finding that as tedious as it was limiting in appeal, he decided to describe in each column something unusual or interesting that arose during the course of a library workday. That item led to another, and that to another, until it finally linked back to the first one, and along the way he slipped a thing or two about reading, libraries, and books.Please note that Greg''s never received a penny of remuneration from the three newspapers he''s written for, since that would violate his professional code of ethics. All gross revenue from his books have gone to Guys Read Gals Read Inc and Fairbanks Library Foundation nonprofits. However, providing free copy to teh newspapers provided opportunities to get library programs covered, and so on.After a decade or so of composing these columns, he found that he''d come to appreciate, or even need, the writing process for several reasons. First, it allowed him to start and complete something. Successful library directors have to always juggle a couple dozen potential projects at various stages of becoming reality, knowing very few will reach fruition, and being able to begin and finish something can be immensely gratifying.Second, and most importantly, the writing process usually takes about three hours, and for that spate of time all the rest of the world drops away. It''s a form of thoughtful meditation that''s brought me great solace and respite.Third, the columns have led to meeting so many interesting, curious, intelligent, and delightful readers in which Alaska abounds.And as the local newspaper''s book reviewer said of Greg''s past anthologies, the brevity of each column makes them "perfect outhouse material."
