What’s next for River Laker?
Photo by Dave Perry
In case you hadn’t heard the news, River Laker has resigned his position as resource development coordinator for Roanoke Public Libraries effective Sept. 24.
This follows a long and ultimately losing battle Laker fought over a less-than-favorable job evaluation he received.
That came months after he stripped on stage at a benefit auction at 202 Market in February 2011. That gag landed the restaurant before the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
In his job at the library, Laker successfully promoted many local artists and authors. He’s also engaged in many side projects.
Before he built an identity as the Trouserless Twit with the 202 Market incident, Laker was the “Carless Brit,” a public exercise in which he walked, cycled or used public transportation for months. After the stripping incident, he formed a band. He also tried living for awhile purely by bartering, instead of using money.
Laker announced his departure in a press release this morning that was very gracious to the library system and its director, Sheila Umberger. He said he wished the libraries and its staff the best. The release doesn’t indicate whether or not he plans to stay in Roanoke.
So what do you think folks? What should River Laker do next?
September 12, 2012 - 12:54 PM
Who cares.
I am in rare and complete total agreement with UTR.
I think River and his colorful way of living and looking at life should find a community or city that appreciates him and I hope he does! Best of luck!
Kristen, we usually are in the same ballpark on local issues.
Start by paying 202 Market for all the money he cost them, after that, he could try growing up.
How about go home? Why did he have a job with the city anyway when plenty of qualified citizens are looking for jobs? If a USA citizen were to go to Britain they would not be permitted to get a job.
He must bring us a shrubbery.
Fake Chippendale dancer.
Are you really that short on material, Dan?
I second Teresa’s sentiment. Good riddance to a local nuisance.
#7 Good one, Henry.
I think you finally found a subject matter that you can write about. Keep it up.
And someone actually picked up the press release. Wow.
riverlaker only existed because of the notoriety the local lib media bestowed upon him. really, who care?
It’s been over 20 years since I lived in Boulder, CO, but if that town today is anything like it was then, Mr Laker would be a good fit.
Once again humdrum won out over creativity. A huge loss for Roanoke.
Jane, are you being serious? What are we losing, exactly?
River has been a regular supporter of Gamut Theatre. Therefore, I can only wish him well in his future endeavors.
Good luck to the jobless brit.
Why not just ask him? I don’t think this is something we should get to vote on.
Many of you only know things about River that you have heard from the local, impersonal media that blasts him or touts his antics with eye-catching headlines and most of the time lack truth or details. River has created and carried out many exciting and thought-provoking creative projects and has contributed greatly to our community and the library. If you dont know him, dont be so quick to make rude and harsh comments.
And PS, Americans cab get jobs in the UK… Who thought that up?
Canada would be a good place for him.
I second what emily said. River is a friend of mine. Don’t judge someone until you know them.
Honestly, I wish I had the guts to do half the things River has done.
Agh Emily, he sends out the releases, he approaches the media, he gets what he’s asking for. He’s a joke and embarrassed the city of Roanoke with his 202 stunt. I’m sure he’s a nice guy that means well, but he cant control his own message and then sends out a press release announcing his resignation as a librarian or whatever. In Roanoke pop culture, he’s “that 202 guy” if he even gets that. His “work” has been undermined and negated by his own antics. He should go to school to learn how to control a message and himself.
Sorry to lose a very colorful character. He got involved in a lot of activities while others chose not to, and decided their only voice was to make derogatory comments in here. Get out there people, make some waves!
He could write a politicaly left leaning blog for the Roanoke Times, apparently the requirements are few.
Best of luck to Mr. Laker, I’m amazed at all of the whiny, whimpering, weak-ass comments wishing the man Ill will.
Emily & Chad are right! River is a good man.
I would say he should maybe join the circus or get a job for a liberal newspaper or publication. He needs help, probably he is just a 13 year old in a man’s body. His actions are a good indicator of where this culture is today, i.e., depraved and immoral. No one really seems to care any more about values and the media for sure doesn’t care.
I think it would be a hoot if River stuck around, found an opportunity to open a small bnusiness with his creative ideas, and then ran for Mayor! Roanoke could do with less stodginess. And a campaign between River and David B owers would be absolute fun to watch!
The haters on this thread probably never attended any of the library events River created for the City of Roanoke. River curated events that showcased local, regional, and national talent. He attracted great crowds to the library. He is a creative person with a good heart, and he is a friend of mine. I wish him well in whatever he decides to do next.
From the sound of these comments, Roanoke needs a couple dozen MORE Rivers to move in. Jesus effin’ Christ but this place can still be a fetid backwater sometimes.
I am embarrassed by the many “narrow” views expressed here and extremely proud that we have enough clear-headed folk to understand the vitality and controversy that River brought us in the Roanoke Valley.
River used to come into my business all the time, and would tell my about some of the things he was trying to do. Yes some of the things he would talk about doing were a little on the crazy side, but hell atleast he has the “balls” to go through with these crazy things to see what can happen. It seems like most of the negative an kinda shallow comments on here are from people who cant really see how someone can be at times crazy and open minded can still be able to help people in roanoke even if its not in the normal way. Maybe some of the negatives should try to be a little deeper next time in their opinions.
I know River and find him both charming, though sometimes naive. His work brought many patrons to the library at a time when libraries across the country are begging for attendance. While his 202 shenanigans may have been poorly-conceived for the square, staid community here, his point was valid (even if it was eclipsed by the firestorm of controversy.) The only lesson River need take from this experience is “Know your audience.” The lesson Roanoke will take from harassing and belittling him is far deeper. We are letting a valued, funny and interesting character loose to our detriment. What a bunch of stodgy boring people this city holds. River was a breath of fresh air.
Even idiots can be creative, just look at all of the pervert and twisted directors in Hollywood. They have certainly brought us a long way, now haven’t they? When you lose absolutes and moral responsibility, disaster for a nation is imminent. Being narrow can be a huge blessing when you stand for real truth.
Listen, bias towards the man is understandable, however the man worked for the library of Roanoke and acted a fool. To those not “fortunate” enough to see this “creative genius” as a friend, we viewed it through his sel promoting egotistical manner from every publicity stunt he pushed, I’m sure in the clique he’s great. However, to the public, he’s a fool. His own self interests overshadowed his good for the library. Those in pr stay behind the camera not in front pushing their own agenda of college stunts.
I think River will do something extrodinary! He is a very intelligent and original person. He is not your typical “cookie cutter” ultra conservative “north face jacket” wearing, extremely dull brain washed sheep like so many typical Roanokers. Roanoke is SO lame and so desperate for a story, i am dumbfounded how petty and how much attention this has recieved. Get a life people.
He’s not dead and he hasn’t gone anywhere. These eulogies arent needed. Sheesh.
The real truth is that he brought wonderful programs to the library. Thank you River.
Please, saying he’s a pervert and twisted? Someone needs a little perspective.
It’s really a shame that River is known to the majority of people out there for one thing he did (in his own time), when he has supported, participated in, and created dozens of other events that were creative and supported local non-profits, organizations, and artists. We are not “friends” per se, but I have worked with him on several events, and he has always been kind, respectful, and thinks outside of the box. I would be curious to know what the library’s attendance was before he came on board and what it is now- my guess would be he has single-handedly brought a whole new audience to the libraries.
In addition to his paid work for the library, he is incredibly supportive of those that need help- several times, I have seen him (privately) try to fill a need in the community when he saw it.
Judging him for one “stunt” that some may find offensive is ridiculous, and I’m very sorry to see him go. I encounter things I find far more offensive on a daily basis- this whole thing seems absolutely ridiculous to me. Definitely Roanoke’s loss.
River….an attention whore. whatever good he may have done for the library, was offset by his need to ‘shock”. There are a lot of good people in Roanoke who “make waves” of get things done without having to be in the spotlight. River laker is a fool and embarrassment.
and I wonder how the owners, and workers at 202 feel about “river” these days. The lost revenue for that business, and lost wages/tips for those employees….good job river!
The sooner you find the exit, the happier many will be…
Even idiots can be creative, just look at all of the pervert and twisted directors in Hollywood. They have certainly brought us a long way, now haven’t they? When you lose absolutes and moral responsibility, disaster for a nation is imminent. Being narrow can be a huge blessing when you stand for real truth.
Comment by Kendra — September 12, 2012 @ 7:50 pm
Lokk at where that attitude of “absolutes” and narrow minded thinking has gotten us today. We have a bunch of Congressmen who are so convinced that they are right or so tied to small constituencies who don’t believe in compromise and working together that our government is paralyzed . This at a time when we need people who understand that the history of this country has been built upon a willingness to compromise and see more than obe point of view to help us move forward. Such rigidity of thinking and stifling of creativity will doom us for the future. This River Laker controversy is symptomatic of what is wrong with us today.
Marcy—you said it better than anyone could have.
I think there must be an Islamic Republic somewhere where Kendra would be a lot happier — and more covered.
#265 One of the many crazy Bobs returns. What fun.
River Laker has been so good for Roanoke. A true asset to our culture. He made a mistake but we all have a lapse of judgment from time to time. I can’t thank him enough for all he’s done for our community. I’m honored to call him friend and am so very proud of him.
Loosen up your underwear people…yes he made a mistake and had a lapse in judgement, no one is perfect…. but to focus on that and not the big picture is completely narrow minded and backwards… I guess that is why it has taken Roanoke so long to grow.. and part of growing is learning acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, and appreciation for colorful personalities who are also growing, learning and testing life’s boundaries. I wish him well with his future endeavors…