Heart of Gold

Heart of Gold… It’s not easy to experience heartaches and trauma and still come out of it with a loving, golden heart. Although Randie went through a lot of rough patches, she persevered and wouldn’t hesitate to reach out and help others, if she could. During her darkest days, Randie found comfort in reading certain stories. Relatable characters helped her get through some very traumatic events in her own life. We all have our favorite poems and songs to lift our spirit when we’re feeling down. Randie believed strongly in the healthy benefits of bibliotherapy. For most of her adult life, Randie devoted her time to promoting literacy and bibliotherapy. Once again, I want to thank all of you for keeping Randie’s dream alive with your book donations to Randie’s Free Library (and to the Little Free Library at Moore Memorial Park). Two days ago, a package from Dublin, Ireland arrived for Randie’s Free Library. Inside was a nice note from Enya, along with four books. In the brief note, Enya shared how she was moved and inspired by Randie’s story that she’s seriously considering creating a free book exchange in her neighborhood, which is on the outskirts of Dublin. By the way, in this short note, Enya also shared an interesting Irish saying, ‘If God sends you down a stony path, may he give you strong shoes.’ Thanks to people like Enya and people like all of you, my grief and pain of missing Randie is eased a bit. After going through such terrible periods, Randie had every right to be angry. But, instead of being mad at the world, Randie chose love, and chose to help others. It’s comforting to know that Randie’s heart of gold is still being felt around the world. – Randolph Randy Camp Note: Randie’s Free Library is located on East Kirkwood Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa and the Raising Readers of Story County Little Free Library (which is dedicated in Randie’s honor) is located at Moore Memorial Park in Ames, Iowa.

Testify: Where Ya From

No matter where you’re at or what you’ve been through you can still reach your destiny. As a kid growing up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, I would sometimes get really sad because the world around me didn’t always match the world in the books I would read and one day hope to write myself. But, at the little country church on the then-dirt and gravel road, I remember listening to the uplifting gospel songs of ‘Ain’t Gonna Study War No More’, ‘This Little Light of Mine’, and listening to the encouraging sermons from Elder John ‘Sonny Boy’ Carter and Elder William Camp (my father). Whether they were preaching behind the pulpit of the Highway Christian Church down on Camptown Road or speaking with you outside in the yard, their words were always positive and encouraging. I have fond memories of my time at this little church. Although no one had a lot of financial wealth, I remember when people would stand up to testify in church, they were so grateful for what they did have. I’m truly grateful for these two men because they, along with my wonderful school teachers, played a big role in keeping me motivated. “A tree without roots will not grow” is a quote from Marcus Garvey, and I certainly will never forget where I came from or those who have had a hand in shaping me. – Randolph Randy Camp Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp (Photos: Highway Christian Church, Elder John ‘Sonny Boy’ Carter, Elder William H. Camp, Sr)

Author's Note: Let Your Characters Speak

Author's Note: When I started writing ’29 Dimes’ I almost quit because I had let my own inhibitions get in the way. Some of the characters I created in ’29 Dimes’ had a lot to say and they definitely weren’t too shy to make some noise. But the problem I ran into was that I let myself, as the writer, get in the way of the story. In the end, I got rid of my own inhibitions and let the characters speak freely so that they could tell their own story. - Randolph Randy Camp

Your Voice Matters

Yes, it’s uncomfortable to rock the boat. But when they have pushed you up against the wall, it feels good sometimes to make a little noise. This Saturday, March 28, 2026, there will be people from all walks of life gathering and attending numerous ‘No Kings’ protest rallies all across America. Too often, we’re made to feel that our little voice won’t matter, but please remember that a choir singing in unison can change the world. We can’t let anyone silence us. Years ago, I learned that a righteous person can not be silenced. Today, the spirit of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, Jr. are still very much alive and glowing in millions of us, regardless of race or skin color. Right now, a lot of our personal freedoms are at stake. Trying to take the right to vote from certain citizens and removing certain books from our libraries are just a few of the freedoms and liberties that are in jeopardy. We shouldn’t be rewriting history to hide the harsh periods in America. We must tell the children the truth. To whitewash history and brainwash our kids makes America weaker as a nation. A foundation of lies will eventually crumble. There comes a time when we need to stand and make some noise. This is that time. Don’t be afraid. When I started writing ’29 Dimes’ I almost quit because I had let my own inhibitions get in the way. Some of the characters I created in ’29 Dimes’ had a lot to say and they definitely weren’t too shy to make some noise. But the problem I ran into was that I let myself, as the writer, get in the way of the story. In the end, I got rid of my own inhibitions and let the characters speak freely so that they could tell their own story. I understand when someone doesn’t want to shake things up or possibly be seen at a big protest event. If, for whatever reasons, your inhibitions are standing in the way, then maybe, as an alternative, you could simply find a banned book at a local bookstore then place it in your neighborhood book exchange or free little library in your area. Remember that your act of courage, big or small, still matters a lot. In spite of several representatives and government officials trying to make some of us feel ‘less than’ and make us feel as if we don’t belong here, I will always be a proud military veteran who believes in true democracy and loves this country. In whatever capacity that you’re most comfortable with, I hope that many of you will make your voices heard and take part in the ‘No Kings’ event this coming Saturday. You can learn more about the ‘No Kings’ events in your area at the following link (Indivisible.org) indivisible.org - Randolph Randy Camp

Remembering Clayton: "I'm Alright"

Remembering Clayton: “I’m Alright” Staying positive as possible and trying to focus on the bright side of things is a quality we all strive to have. Brother Clayton possessed this quality and he showed it well. What I admired most about Clayton is this: While coping with a medical condition throughout the years, Clayton’s personality would shine brighter than his ailment. Several years ago, Clayton attended a book talk event at John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center in Spotsylvania, Virginia. After the event I thanked Clayton for coming and then I asked him how he was doing, and he simply replied, “I’m alright.” A couple weeks ago, I found out that Brother Clayton Ellis is now in Heaven. I’ll never forget his special quality, something I’m constantly working on. – Randolph Randy Camp (Photo: December 2017, Book Talk Event at John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center. Clayton Ellis is seated beside his sister Sherry Ann in the back row. Clayton has on his brown leather coat and wearing a black baseball cap.)

Acts of Kindness

Yes, it’s true, today’s headlines are definitely disheartening. The news makes it hard to believe and trust anyone anymore. While I was in the Air Force I experienced things that made me sick, but every day I fight to regain my trust in people. Every now and then others show their kindness and that helps me in my struggle to regain this trust. No matter how cruel and mean the world gets though, ultimately I do believe that there are more kind and goodhearted people out there than bad ones. Case and point, on this sunny January morning, an anonymous act of kindness was shown at RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY. May God Bless each and every one of you who continually maintains a kind heart regardless of the heartless things you see and read about in the news. – Randolph Randy Camp

Thank You

We all have a special light in us. It’s been over five years since Randie ‘Dani’ has been physically gone but her spirit is still felt every single day. It is five days before Christmas, and within the past two weeks, RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY has received book donations from all around the globe. I would like to especially thank Akiko (from Hachinohe, Japan), Lina (from Cologne, Germany), Terry (from Tallahassee, Florida), and Jamila (from Nairobi, Kenya) for their generous book donations and helping to fulfill Randie’s dream. Sometimes these packages come on my most darkest of days and I can’t even express to y’all how my spirit is instantly lifted when I see them at my doorstep. It’s like Randie is sending me messages from Heaven, saying “I’m still here.” It warms my heart to know that Randie is touching people from around the world and that her light is still shining. And once again, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for your book donations, and may the light inside of you will continue to shine brightly! Have a wonderful Christmas EVERYONE. – Randolph Randy Camp