Booksale Week

This has been an incredible busy week with the library's bi-annual booksale going on.  I have been filling in at the circulation desk for those savy librarians that took time off during this time.  I never mind when the library is super busy.  I love running to do the next thing much better than trying to figure out what to do next.  I especially enjoy all of the new cards we issue during this time.  I do not think I will ever grow tired of explaining all the wonderful ways a library can impact someone's life.  Another benefit of the booksale is searching for books to add to our collection or replace worn copies.  This year I was able to grab a few good books to add to the collection (and I sure other librarian's did as well).  I also went through and search for library books that a patron might have accidentally returned to the friends instead of us.  Sure enough I think by the end of the booksale about 5 books were rechecked in!  Those patrons did know that they returned them, but just did not realize they returned them to the wrong spot.  Now that the sale is ending the library will further benefit from the wonderful donations the friends will make to support our library museum passes and programs for all ages!

Overdrive Books for the Kindle!

Today is a wonderful day!  Today on overdrive anyone with a library card can check out and borrow free kindle books!!  I was at work when I heard the announcement, but had to wait until I went to my second job at the library to try it.  When I got to the library I was not the only one who was thrilled to see this in action.  Because the news of this being available was a surprise (we heard it was coming before Christmas) we had no information to let the patrons know.  A photo was taken of me with the kindle and posted at the desk along with the announcement.  Throughout the night I heard "Hey, isn't that you?"

Getting Ready for a Booksale

The Friends of my local library are getting ready to have their bi-annual booksale.  This is my second year being on the Friends board and my mother's first.  At the last meeting (which I missed) my mother volunteered to collect flats.  She collected over 300 boxes and I helped her bring them to the library and stack them so that the volunteers can use them to sort the books to be sold.  The process of driving these boxes and stacking them did not take more than an hour and it was fun spending time with my mother.
                                                                 

Setting the Alarm off at the Library

Since the library is closed today I decided to break up my hours of computer work over the three days.  When going into the library I struggled a bit with the door (my key is not always cooperative) and once I got in turned off the alarm with no sign of trouble.  Almost 20 minutes later I saw a police cruiser with lights on come straight for the library. My thoughts immediately went to how poorly I would cope in a prison environment, and how I was going to prove that I was supposed to be at the library. I hurried over to the door and stepped out.  I recognized the officer from town (it's a small town) and as a library patron.  She called into the station that all was well and we chatted for a minute.  After she left I noticed that I had my hair in a bun and was wearing my "Don't make shush you" t-shirt so I was probably okay even if I didn't know her.

A Morning at Hospice

Today I have taken the day off from work. This morning I was about to curl up in my breezeway with a (hopefully) good book, but then decided to head to Hospice.  I had had a migraine earlier in the week so had not been able to visit. I grabbed all my supplies and headed over, grabbing a coffee and muffin from a local restaurant as a nice treat along the way.  On an early Friday morning Hospice was still just as busy as any other time I had been there.  I met two wonderful reiki volunteers who were organizing paperwork in the library.  Family members were also coming in and out of the library while I stamped, stickered, organized and cleaned.  After completing all that I had set out to do I took a walk in the small but beautiful garden that sits in the middle of the building.

Metamorphosis at the Library

Tonight I had the great pleasure of working in the Children's room again (this was my second time in about 7 years).  It was a wonderful evening with many kids and parents in and out.  Yesterday was the first day of school for many kids,but tonight was all about Star Wars, Princesses and Fairies.  The children (and adults) were also ecstatic to see that the monarch butterflies were back in the library.  Every year a terrarium is set up with milkweed plants and caterpillars (all found outside).  The children get to watch as the caterpillars enter the pupa stage and then become butterflies (and are released back outside).  It is wonderful to see their excitement and curiosity as they gaze into the terrarium.

A Change of Plans

Yesterday I was supposed to go to Hospice after work to drop off the books that I had cataloged.  Unfortunately, I ended up with a migraine and spent the day home.