Age Group:
AdultsProgram Description
Community Ink: Local Author Series
This community-focused series is designed to spotlight and celebrate the literary talent of Western Pennsylvania. This platform creates space for local authors to share their work, discuss their creative process, and connect directly with readers. These events feature book readings, lectures, signings, and Q&A sessions, fostering an intimate and interactive atmosphere. We've hosted authors like Marie Benedict, Brooke Barker and Boaz Frankel, Andy McPhee, and Clare Beams to name a few.
Our hope with Community Ink is to strengthen ties between authors and their local audience; showcase writers across genres, from fiction and poetry to memoirs and academic works; offer insights into the writing process, publishing journey, and the power of storytelling while providing visibility and encouragement for authors to thrive within their community.
Event Details
Join us for a discussion of Howie Ehrlichman's book, Not a Bad Trip: a Pittsburgh Cab Story. This history-filled memoir is all about life in the front seat of a Pittsburgh taxi, from the era of Yellow Checkers with jump seats through the evolution of the Uber world we now live in. The book also offers an analytical and critical assessment of the transportation-for-hire business. While we will meet some colorful characters along the way, Pittsburgh remains the star of the show. As part of the program, Howie will read a chapter and/or excerpts from the book, and encourage an open Q & A and interactive discussion with the audience.
Howard (Howie) Ehrlichman, born in 1957, is a Pittsburgh lifer. A 1979 Penn State graduate, he resides in the 'Burgh's eastern suburbs with his wife, Christina, a dog, and some cats. Chris and Howie are proud parents of four grown children.
Howie's taxi career began in 1977. In 1984, he took a twelve year "break" to operate a dynamic food store in an iconic city neighborhood. After selling the business in 1996, he returned to Yellow Cab. In 1998, he fulfilled his childhood dream, becoming a Port Authority bus operator, and later, a dispatch/supervisor, retiring after 24 years of service. Throughout his transit career, he remained a dedicated weekend warrior at the cab company. Not a Bad Trip is Howie's first book. In late 2016, he turned his cab in for the last time, ending his forty-year long love affair with taxicab life. Although "officially" retired, he still dabbles in the gig world of rideshare and food delivery.
Disclaimer(s)
Adults Only
Adults 18+ only please.
Registration
Please register online or call the library at 412-828-9520 (CSCL) or 412-781-0783 (SCL).