The Library is a place where literature and local history often intersect in most enjoyable ways. For the many people who delight in these two disciplines, last Wednesday evening was a perfect example of having your cake and eating it, too.

That night, over eighty Robert Louis Stevenson aficionados and local historians gathered at the library to hear Stevenson scholar Dr. Roger Swearingen give an excellent presentation on the history of the Stevenson House – a rooming house, where the ailing writer stayed during his brief visit to Monterey in 1879. The building has a long and interesting history and today is something of a literary shrine, filled with Stevenson memorabilia and open to the public.

Dr. Swearingen’s talk was part of the Library’s annual "Robert Louis Stevenson Unbirthday" party, where we commemorate the famous writer’s kindly act of giving away his birthday to a Miss Annie Ide. This came about in 1891 after the child complained to Stevenson that, having been born on Christmas day, she was defrauded of the right to a birthday of her own. In response, Stevenson had a legal document drawn up that would officially transfer the use of his own November 13th birthday to Miss Ide "…to have, hold, exercise, and enjoy in the customary manner, by the sporting of fine raiment, eating of rich meats, and receipts of gifts, compliments, and copies of verse, according to the manner of our ancestors." The document was signed and witnessed by Harold Watts and Stevenson’s stepson Lloyd Osbourne.

It pleased me that the lecture was illustrated with many photos, clippings, and other materials that were gleaned from the Library’s California History Room collections and archives. Dr. Swearingen’s very interesting, informative, and entertaining talk was followed by a reception featuring lively conversation, good fellowship, and a delicious cake provided by the Robert Louis Stevenson Club of Monterey. That’s what I’d call having your cake and eating it, too!