San Francisco gets short shrift when it comes to attention as a literary city. Or when attention is paid, it typically focuses on the past. But I think that, especially since Eggers set up shop at 826 Valencia, there's a real voice here, and an exciting scene that encourages innovation and germination. The Chabon-Eggers mafia has made a difference in the city (and the area) in all sorts of ways, including politically. So, today, while interesting, it's hardly surprising to see a joint op-ed written by the two of them in support of passing Measure N in Oakland to fund construction of a new library:

OPEN FORUM

Why Oakland voters should vote yes on N

Michael Chabon, Dave Eggers
Wednesday, November 1, 2006

On Nov. 7, Oakland voters will have the option of approving Measure N, which would provide $148 million to fund the construction of a new main library and two new branches and fund the expansion and renovation of all the city's existing branch libraries.

While the cost of the measure can be expressed in simple terms of debt and taxation -- Measure N would add about $39.60 per $100,000 assessed valuation of one's home -- we believe that the hidden long-term cost of a vote against libraries, against the role they play in fostering literacy and strengthening the social fabric of a city, is far higher and more devastating.

Read the rest.

Because they like to bend pages over.

Oh, snap! I'll be here all week, folks. Tip your bartender on the way out.