Confession #8...I have finally figured the showers out!

When I first started working at the library, I was faced with an interesting conundrum. Why did all the libraries have showers in the restrooms?

I have worked for over 6 months with this question. Finally, this past week I asked.

It's because the library can be considered a community center and gathering point when a disaster happens. The laws regulating said centers indicate that there must be a shower available.

Huh.

So, it's not just for use by employees who haven't paid their water bill?

Or when you go running on your lunch break, come back and take a quick shower.

Or can be used for storage.

Or just to look pretty.

I am not exactly sure how each library uses their shower, but, it's a facinating topic. That's not to say that every library has a shower. But, wouldn't it be interesting to see if all library showers are the same or are some designer like this one:

 or are some just like this one:

However the shower looks at your local library, one thing is hopefully sure, they will be place you can go in the event of a disaster.

Just be sure to bring your own towel and soap!

Confession #7...

I have my dream job. I am finally enjoying my work life. But, it's a lot of hard work.

One of the most difficult things about being a librarian, is not knowing what kind of question you will get next.

Case in point...tonight I am working (of course I am) and I have had 19 different patrons ask me 10 different questions. While most of them have been, "How do I print?", there have been a few that are more difficult to answer.

Answering reference questions is difficult. You have to ask a series of questions in order to get to the root of what a patron is asking. Very rarely will they come out and tell you exactly what they are looking for.

Except the patron I just helped. :)

So, it's always interesting when a patron walks up. What are the looking for? Can I help them? I do my best, but sometimes there are those questions that I just can't answer.

When in doubt, I ask another librarian. I have found I learn more when I ask questions. So if you are a librarian, be forewarned. I may be coming to you for help!

Confession #6...I HEART Reader's Advisory...

 Today I helped a 5th grader, who is already a ravenous reader, find some other series that might interest him. I recommended:







There were lots of others that I recommended, but this is just a partial list.

What I find so intriguing about reader's advisory, is the variety of books I recommend. Wednesday night, I had a patron ask for good historical fiction. Another asked for clean mysteries. Another asked for biographies.

The good thing about this, is that since I read a wide variety of genres, I feel comfortable recommending almost anything. The only exception would be sci-fi/fantasy. Since I don't read much of that, I have to rely on what my dad and brother read.

When asked what my favorite book is, I tell them it depends on the day. I have so many favorite books and authors.

Just to prove my point, here's what I am currently reading:

A little of this, a little of that. No much sci-fi/fantasy. But that's okay. Maybe in a few months I will be on a sci-fi/fant kick. The great thing about reading, is that no matter where you are, a book can take you somewhere else.

Confession # 5..I thought it would be busier...

Today as with most Fridays, I am working at one of the many branches in the SL system. This week I have worked at the same library (that's just where I picked up the most shifts) and I have today, I thought the library would be a lot busier. Maybe it's the rain. Maybe it's UEA weekend.

Not that I am complaining.

Monday night, it was a little busy. This library does most of their programs on Monday nights. Makes sense, knowing the community demographics.

Tuesday, not busy at all.

Wednesday, even quieter, except for the large scout tour that came in.

Friday, well, today it's been pretty quiet. I know it will get busier later in the afternoon as people are getting home from work and wanting DVDs for the weekend. Let's face it, getting to rent a DVD from the library for a week without having to pay $1.50 a night is nice.

So, about 4 pm, I expect it to pick up.

Until then, I'll smile and ask patrons if they need some help. I'll look at the latest best-seller lists and add books to my already crazy long list of books to read, and maybe read a library magazine or two.