Hillsdale Library - Revisiting Their Sincerity

I think it could be argued that the Multnomah County Library system is one of the most progressive and inclusive in the country. About a year ago,  I wrote a piece for the Sincerity column that I do for the SW Community Connection paper in Portland about how very sincere the Hillsdale Library, part of the county system, is, mentioning that they have a good Spanish language section. http://portlandtribune.com/scc/125-opinion/308713-184235-hillsdale-library-a-people-friendly-place-
Well, I'm feeling like I need to rethink that evaluation. They have removed the Spanish language section for adults, and replaced it entirely with Russian. As a matter of fact, it looked to me like that was the only other language for adult readers that the library now features besides English. Though I know there's a large Russian population in Portland, I also know that the Spanish speaking population is growing. For the library to replace all Spanish language books for adults with Russian, in this Trump-era, Russian loving, Mexican-hating atmosphere we live in, it just seems like an iffy choice. They probably won't see this post, and that's okay, just want to get it off my chest. I let them know in person that I wasn't happy with their choice. I have nothing against Russian immigrants living in my vicinity, nothing at all. I welcome them like I welcome all newcomers to the U.S. But let's not send the wrong message by excluding Spanish speakers either.

Evaluation: Kind of sincere


DIGG

Abarrotes Gabriel - Authentic Mexican Market - Astoria, Queens, NYC

Don't try to pronounce it unless your Spanish is good, however you don't have to speak the language to go into this tiny little Mexican market and find choice items that all pretty much come directly from that country south of the border. There are shelves and shelves of snacks, yummy, salty, greasy, chile and lime flavored snacks. There are Mexican candies stacked practically to the ceiling, a whole wall of dried chiles, tons of salsas and hot sauces stocked behind the counter, and refrigerator cases full of chorizos (Mexican and Spanish sausages) cheeses, Mexican "crema" (a cross between sour cream and creme fraiche) and sodas. Corn tortillas are waiting in packages by the cash register but no flour tortillas - they just aren't that authentic. The more you know Mexican food, the more you'll like it, but even if you don't know it at all, go in and explore. The caballero who runs the place is always there and is as charming and friendly as can be, even when my husband makes his halting attempts to communicate in Spanish, though the man speaks English quite well.

Evaluation: Extraordinarily Sincere!

  

 Located on Broadway in Astoria between 42nd and 43rd Streets.