Author Readings and Lectures

Author: Ruby Dee Philippa

A conversation with the author of the Bag of Tricks trilogy
Saturday, 12/6/2025
4:00 - 5:30
The Page - 1st Floor
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Readings and a conversation with author Ruby Dee Philippa, moderated by Ethan Port, bass player for Savage Republic, discussing punk culture and Philippa’s new book, Old Tricks, New Treats. Old Tricks is the third in the Bags of Tricks trilogy of stories about San Francisco punks in the early 1980’s.

Is a punk rock ethos alive in 2025? Where is the passion from that era? How has social media changed what used to be a true DIY way of creating art, passing along information and living in the world?

If it's not your mother's punk, how and where do those values show up today? 

 

 

Ruby Dee Philippa grew up in the foothills of Northern CA and the West Texas flatlands, riding horses in the back woods near Folsom Prison, and singing with family on the back porch. She stumbled into life on the streets of San Francisco, enchanted by the insanity of life as a punk in those early days. She later co-founded the North Coast California Earth First! in Arcata, CA and started the roots-rockabilly band Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers.

Author Readings & Lectures

Engage with your favorite writers and discover your next read.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.