Sometimes you need a self-help book. Sometimes you need a long walk. And sometimes you need to turn up the punk rock loud enough that whatever irritated you today doesn’t stand a chance. As a millennial girl, I have to admit that punk rock has always been one of my favorite forms of therapy. There is something wonderfully cathartic about music that sounds like it is saying, “Yep.” The world is ridiculous. Let’s scream about it for three minutes and then keep going. Whether you grew up with punk, discovered it later, or just occasionally need some musical rebellion with your afternoon coffee, your library has plenty of ways to spend a little time in the punk-rock universe.
And yes, we have the music too.
If you’re looking for something that will immediately change your mood, we’ve got CDs.
Our collection includes Social Distortion, Rancid, the Essential Clash and more! In other words, there’s plenty here for everything from “I need to get through this workday” to “I have had enough today.” Put on the headphones. Turn it up. Proceed accordingly.
The Essential Clash by Clash
Repeater by Fugazi
…And Out Come the Wolves by Rancid
Somewhere between Heaven and Hell by Social Distortion
Social Distortion by Social Distortion
White Light White Heat White Trash by Social Distortion
Want to know what happened behind the music? Punk has an enormous history, and some of the best stories aren’t necessarily found in the songs. The books get a little more personal.
Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My life on the road with the Ramones by Marky Ramone
Takes readers behind the scenes with one of the members of one of punk’s most influential bands.
Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon
Moves into the world of alternative and experimental rock with Gordon’s own story, music and experiences with Sonic Youth.
Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain
It’s an oral history, which means you’re getting punk history from the people who were actually there. Think less polished documentary and more sit down, somebody has a story to tell you.
One of the things that I love about punk is that it keeps changing.
Smash!: Green Day, Bad Religion, NOFX, and the ’90s Punk Explosion
Takes a look at the wave of punk that introduced and entire new generation to the music.
Sellout: The Major-Label Feeding Frenzy That Swept Punk, Emo, and Hardcore (1997-2007) by Dan Ozzi
Digs into the complicated relationship between punk and the mainstream.
The Rough Guide to Punk by Al Spicer
If your looking for a great memoir try out:
Can I say: living large, cheating death, and drums, drums, drums by Travis Barker
Fahrenheit-182: a memoir by Mark Hoppus
Resident Punk : how I smoked, drank, and stumbled my way through the ’70s punk scene (and beyond) by Legs McNeil
Rebel Girl by Kathleen Hannah
Your library has a punk-rock problem… and we’re okay with it. Maybe you’re a lifelong punk fan. Maybe your teenage self still lives somewhere inside you and occasionally demands a Green Day CD. Maybe you’ve never listened to The Clash and would like to see what all the fuss is about. Or maybe you just had one of those days and need a good road trip therapy session. Whatever brought you here, take a little time to explore the punk collection at your library. Borrow a CD. Pick up a memoir. Learn about the history. Discover a band you’ve never hear before. And if all else fails? Put on some punk rock and let your problems wait three minutes.
