Oliver Uberti: Notes from a Public Typewriter

When Michael Gustafson and his wife Hilary opened Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan, they put out a typewriter for anyone to use. They had no idea what to expect. Would people ask metaphysical questions? Write mean things? Pour their souls onto the page? Yes, no, and did they ever.

Every day, people of all ages sit down at the public typewriter. Children perch atop grandparents’ knees, both sets of hands hovering above the metal keys: I LOVE YOU. Others walk in alone on Friday nights and confess their hopes: I will find someone someday. And some leave funny asides for the next person who sits down: I dislike people, misanthropes, irony, and ellipses … and lists too. 

In a new book, NOTES FROM A PUBLIC TYPEWRITER, Gustafson and alumnus Oliver Uberti (BFA ​’03) have combined their favorite notes with essays and photos to create an ode to community and the written word that will surprise, delight, and inspire.

The book, published by Grand Central, is now available for purchase.

Join Oliver and Michael for a launch party at Literati Bookstore (124 E. Washington St.) on Friday, March 30 at 7pm. They’ll read favorite notes, discuss the book, and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes of their creative process.

MICHAEL GUSTAFSON & OLIVER UBERTI: NOTES FROM A PUBLIC TYPEWRITER
Friday, March 30, 2018 — 7:00pm
Literati Bookstore
124 E. Washington St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104