Confesssion #11...Librarians do NOT get to spend the day reading...

I used to get this question all the time when I worked at the bookstore...

"So, since you are surrounded by books all day, do you just get to sit and read?"

Nope. Doesn't happen at the bookstore and definately doesn't happen at the library. If it did, how would I be able to help you when you need helping finding that book club book, or how to print a document, or where the closest post office is.

In all actuality, since I have begun working at the library, I HAVE read more books, although, not the kind I used to read. I have found myself on several different committee's, reading for upcoming reader's choice, beehive awards etc. Some of these have been a pleasure to read, some, not so much.

While I don't get to spend the day at the library with books and a cup of tea, I have had the great opportunity to read some great books, recommended by patrons, friends and librarians.

Here are a few such books:

Confession #10...To Shhhh or not to Shhhh

The other day, I shhhhhh'd my first library patron. I had a bun in my hair, was wearing my glasses and had on a long skirt and cardigan. I seemed to be the epitome of a old school librarian.

This is not necessarily how I looked, rather how I felt

Some kids were being a little unruly, as children are and I shhhhh'd them. It felt great! I had been waiting for this day since I started library school...the day I could shhhhhh and feel good about it.

What I find humorous is this...a few days after the day of shhhhhhhing, a library patron walked up to me and said "You know, librarians are louder than patrons. Librarians talk at the top of their voices then make those around them be quiet.".

Needless to say, this made me pause. I wondered if in fact, I had been speaking too loudly for the library and I was in the wrong for shhhhhing these kids.

Then sanity took over. Nope, I was just fine.

Confession #9...Kids make me laugh

This past week while subbing at a local library, I had a little girl come up and ask me about the book flies in diarreah. It was hard not to laugh, but inside the whole time, I was thinking "I can't think of a single book about flies and diarreah. Flies and dead bodies, yes, but not flies and diarreah."

I looked and looked and didn't find anything. She said she had read it at school and I couldn't come up with anything. She went away and came back and said, "I know the author is Doreen Cronin". At this point, I figured out what she meant...Diary of a Fly...

I went and found it for her, then suggested the following books:

I love seeing kids with books and I what I love even more than that is their funny questions. So kids, keep them coming. They make my day!

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.