A few favorite scenes from the library

DISCOVER YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Granted, working in a library, as working anywhere, has its

mundane moments. But not many! During the past half-decade as your

branch librarian, I’ve experienced some very amusing scenes. After

all, we do serve the public in its infinite and wonderful variety!

Three of my most heart-warming involve children and teens.

I was working at the reference desk recently and a young boy was

sitting at the table directly across from me reading what looked like

an adventure book. Suddenly, he exclaimed, “Yes! Yes!” and quickly

stood up, raising both hands in the air and laughing joyfully. It was

both sweet and delightful to see someone so young and uninhibited

completely involved in a good story. It was a great example of

imagination and innocence only the young seem to experience so well.

I grew up loving to sit on the floor, enjoying the feel of our

home’s green and grown shag carpet while reading or playing quiet

games. So, I love it when library patrons sit on our floor -- even

occasionally stretch out in our aisles surrounded by stacks of books.

Not long ago, while passing near the literature section, I heard a

faint and lyrical reading of poetry. There, sitting on the floor,

backs propped against book bags, dreamy-eyed teenage boyfriend and

girlfriend were happily lost in their own literary world.

Finally, a library scene with such a marvelous juxtaposition of

youth and technology that it brings a smile to my face every time I

think of it. Several weeks ago, I was leaving my office, headed for

our staff kitchen to grab a bit of lunch. I noticed a young mother

checking out a stack of picture books for her daughter, who I thought

must have been the cute toddler headed toward one of the computers in

the Children’s Department.

As I watched, the little blond hiked herself up on the chair in

front of the computer, took hold of the mouse with her right hand and

began to navigate, albeit awkwardly. Undaunted and gentle, she seemed

to know what she was doing. Then, plop, the left thumb went in her

mouth. For a matter of a minute or two, there she sat, so very

content and serious, activating the computer screen and sucking her

thumb!

I think I was mistaken. My job is not mundane -- ever! I would

like to encourage our patrons to visit us soon and often to make

their own special library “scene.”