The Giggle and Drool Factor

Alright, to put it simply, in our library the women are employed. So what happens when a bunch of very cute guys come into the library?

I give you two guesses.

I think you got it. We first look with shock, then giggle, and finally get back to work. (I'm kind of sorry for the guys. I can't help it! YOUR JUST SO HOT!!!) We must look like complete nutcases to them. But alas we must keep our game faces on. That is what being a librarian is all about. (Though we are still girls here!)

Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

I Love My Job

Today is one of those days that I had envisioned when I came to work at the library.  Everything is going along smoothly.  We're busy but not swamped.  No one has complained about anything yet.  The books feel like a haven from the outside world.  My only regret is that I will never be able to read them all.  I JUST LOVE MY JOB!!!!!

Sincerely,
The Stoic Librarian

Loud Peckiing

Our Loud Typist
Finally!   I've had it with the loud, unnecessary pecking on our computers, also.  Several computer guests have brought this to our attention-- and with GOOD reason.  It is a total distraction for them and me.  What? Are we showing off or, are we angry about something? No matter, I've had it.  Leave your ego and your problems at home, because I will not tolerate this anymore.  The computers are here for your use but NOT your abuse!  From now on, you will respect others and appreciate our computers.  Got it?   Now, stop with the loud pecking or you're outta here!!!

Sincerely,
The Fun Crafter

The Wrong Timing

The story of my life.  Never in the right place at the right time.  I came in today and was told about this good looking guy in uniform who came in this morning  The girls still couldn't catch their breath.  From what I hear he was real eye candy and where was I?  Out on the lawnmower cutting my grass.  Why is my timing always off?  Darn!  Stupid grass.

Sincerely,
The Stoic Librarian

How Fast Can You Go?

As a librarian (and people's misconceptions of us) they think we sit around all day reading. (If only that were the truth I'd have that job!) Unfortunately, that isn't the case. Today for example is just plan old hectic. First off, the Census Bureau is using our conference room for training and thus we have a million people here using our computers. Then we have our regulars, (and not so regulars).

Suddenly we have a Naval officer come in to give interviews. (Wait... WHAT?! WHEN DID I AUTHORIZE THAT!!!!!) So we are running from one place to another, the office, the childrens' room, front desk, computer area, book shelves. It's like running a marathon around here!

If there were even a possibility of sitting and relaxing it would be hilarious. I mean I'm writing this on the go, two minutes and then back to work. AAAAHHHH!!! Here comes more patrons!!!

Got to go...

Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

Waiting To Exhale

I rush in to work and I'm out of breath because, as usual, I've had to either walk or swing a ride at the last minute. (I'm asthmatic, you see.) I get here and the place is really jumping! We've got meetings going on, people checking out books, books to be checked in-- the usual stuff. Then BAM!!! I spot this really fine gentleman (in military attire, my favorite) conducting interviews not far away from me... Well, I'm not breathing quite normally yet. Gotta go; gotta catch my breath!!!

Sincerely,
The Fun Crafter

Nap Time

I have discovered a problem with the hours I work.  Two days I don't come to work until 1:30pm so I spend those mornings working in my yard.  So by the time I start my job all I want to do is take a nap.  Of course we're to busy for me to grab a quick nap.  I haven't figured out how to take a 30 second power nap.  If only I could sleep with my eyes open like some other people I know.  I think we should protest for a siesta each day.  I read somewhere that naps help people to be healthier and live longer so let's get on the bandwagon.

Sincerely.
The Stoic Librarian

Red Level and Rising

Can I kill my employees? That's not hypothetical. What is a quick an easy way? Poisoning or shotgun? Okay I want to kill this sales person instead now, switching target, but still want to kill my employees. They are getting on my LAST nerve! With this supposed 'Friend', I'm about to give them a taste of my silent wrath. I'm good at stealth, give me three minutes and everything will be over. If I can hack the US mainframe, I think I can do this. *evil genius grin*

Have a nice day!
If I could be as calm as this guy right now I would be in heaven.

Check this out HERE.




Sincerely,
The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian



We HEAR you

When you come in a library, what do you always remember a librarian doing?

Saying, "Shhhh."

That is still true today. It's extremely annoying when someone comes into the library and is pretty much yelling. Common curtsy people! And the worst part is when the patron won't be quiet. How many times have I had to tell a patron to step outside to talk on the phone, to shut up? Oh, I don't know a MILLION! What's also hilarious is how a lot of people think we are deaf, sorry not true.

We scare people with our good ears. We might be completely across the library, but we can hear you when you are whispering into the phone (when your not supposed to be on the phone!), and we can hear your friend talking back to you on the other end. So don't call us something behind our back (We might be liable of throwing you out of the library.)

So two warnings to you out there:

1.) Speak softly, we aren't deaf, and people don't need to hear about your toenail fungus.

2.) Don't think we don't hear you when you talk bad about us. (We make exceptional spies.)

Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

He Became a Texan Overnight

When this guy came in here and saw the Librarian, he was struck.  He just wanted to get in any way he could. He wanted a membership, but he didn't  have a Texas ID, so in he walks the next day with a printout out from "Marlin's Finest", presented it to me and stated that he is now officially a Texan  -- all the while looking in the Librarian's office!  What a guy.  Now, I'm thinking about asking for some type of pin, medal, ribbon or something to give him for being the best volunteer we ever had.  There's just no stopping this guy 'cause once he decides he wants something, he goes after it!  (Librarian, BEWARE!!!)   He's now a Texan, ain't he?

Sincerely,
The Fun Crafter

FOL (Friends of the Library)

For a couple of months now, we have been trying to encourage patrons to join our Friends of the Library Club. Now I am desperate!  I plan to make a more diligent effort in convincing patrons that this is a good thing. I say this  because of a most embarrassing situation involving one of our patrons who made such a big deal over a 20 cents fine.   This lady began her day by calling us that morning.   She blasted us real good,  too.  (We survived this episode pretty well.)   But, hold on:  Here I am sitting at my desk when I feel this big gust of  "hot" air   bringing with it this giant of a woman ranting about that 20 cents again!  What the heck?!!!  I was so done with her that I told her that I would just waive her fine or pay it myself , but she wouldn't have it.  She paid the fine then told  me to pass the word that she would not be coming to our fine establishment ever again.  (I say she looked better going than coming anyhow!)  So my mission now is to make sure that I get the word out:  Please join our FOL Club; you can get fines waived, even get out of jail free.

Sincerely,
The Fun Crafter

We Aren't Archives

It seems all of my assistants are having a hilarious time on this blog about this 'supposed' romantic crush this guy has on me. So I ain't talking about that! I already feel like I'm suffocating from all of them asking about what I'm going to do about it.

So what am I going to talk about? Hmmm.... I wonder. I know! Let's talk about something we call WEEDING. Yeah, that's right we have to actually pull books off the shelves and sell them. After a while books aren't checked out, and they sit there lonely on our shelves, (most often catching dust) so we, as diligent librarians, feel sorry and finally send these books off to much more deserving people.

It's a LLLLOOOONNNGGG arduous process that takes six months (for most) to get the whole collection. For large libraries, they have their whole staff do it, for small libraries they have volunteers and the FOL (Friends of the Library) help.

So what happens after the (relief of having the collection) weeding. We sell all the books. (Some go to dumps, sadly) But then of course there are those few patrons that ask just why we got rid of a certain book, well there's only one thing I can say. "We aren't archives."

It a sad day though having to get rid of books. (*crying*) But it's one thing a librarian has to do for the sake of the library.

Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

The Price of Love

So yesterday I told you about the BIG romance going on with our head librarian and boy has it paid dividends.  Her new friend volunteered to work here today and it has been great.  Friday is cleaning day and he stepped to the plate.  He moped, dusted the tops of the shelves, opened some guys car who had locked his keys in it, and even cleaned out a trash can as he was gagging.  Isn't love wonderful?!  Now I sure hope this little romance is not fly by night cause I want to keep this guy around.  He is by far the best volunteer we have ever had.  What people won't do for love...

The Stoic Librarian 

Romance Is In The Air

Our librarian is young and real cute and we have this new patron who is SO  interested in her.  It's so cute.  He gets on the computer and then ask her for help with all this stuff.  He stays all day.  Now he's even become a volunteer to spend time here.  Does it get better then that?!  You know he will do a bang up job to impress her. Spring is in the air and love is not far behind.  Oh to be young again.

Sincerely,
The Stoic Librarian

Reaching Zen

We just finished putting the children's section back together again!!!  Some little DEAR pulled more books off the shelves then we check out in a month.   All the stuffed animals were scattered from one end to the other, the chairs were overturned.  It was just a mess.  Now all this happened while one parent was on the computer and forgot they had a child with them.  I can just imagine what their house looks like and how much respect for things this child is learning.  I love putting back books kids have read but I don't get paid enough to put up with this.  If it were up to me kids under 6 would not be allowed in the children's section without a parent even though I don't think that would help.  What kind of kids are we raising?  And who cares?  Let's start a movement to keep little kids out of our libraries unless they have parent's who have more maturity then the kids. O.k. now I'm closer to my Zen state again.  Thanks for letting me rant!

Sincerely,
The Stoic Librarian

Technology... huh?

Changing all around us, what do librarians do to keep up?

We write on blogs that's what! People think librarians are stern older women with buns pulls back too tight and gold rim glasses. Well, we are smarter then you think! People come in and don't ask us how to do things and end up crashing our computers, BELIEVE  ME! I SEE ALL!!!

Of course they don't say they did it and just slink out of the library like nothing happened. But we know, and boy is it frustrating! Don't mess with us, we have been trained to hack our own computers!!! This blog is an example of our prowess, it's getting bigger and better!

So only two little pieces of advice for ya':

1.) Be nice to our computers.

2.) Don't think we don't see you...

Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

Do You Have This Book?

Uuuuuuhhhhh..... Let me think...

For a librarian we are always asked this question. (No duh we are in a building full of books.) But the funny thing is that half the time we don't have this book. (Though we like to think we do.) Most often to not we are looking for books that HAVEN'T EVEN COME OUT YET. Let me tell you that can be annoying.

But when we do get the books, oh we can't seem to get them processed fast enough for them. Let me tell you processing books isn't an easy task. If you only knew how long it takes us to type up everything on the imprint page. (It's that weird little page at the beginning of the book with all this weird looking writing on it that only we can read.) Then we have to bar-code, spine label, and laminate the book, or put celophane over the dust jacket, get it in our computers so that you can look it up from your home computers, make sure it's in proper so that WE the librarians can read it, is an eternity long.

So many times I'm putting a laminate over a book when a person looks over my shoulder and says, 'OOOHHH I've been dying to read that, can I have it when you're done?"

I just give them this wild eyed look that says, 'I'm not read it, I'm CREATING it!!!!'

But hey I understand, when a new book comes out that I've been dying to read, I'm usually grabbing before anyone else can. (Hey we read too, why do you think we work here.) A hilarious part about working with other librarians and I'm not kidding when I say we actually time each other to see who's faster.

It's another thing about a librarians day that you don't see.


Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

Unforgotten

Today is a different day for me. Instead of ranting about all those patrons that have no real interest in us as librarians. I want to speak about one man that came into our library when I first started working at this library, right around this time of the year. He was a tall man with a wiry old beard that went half way down his chest, glasses and a baseball cap. He always wore the same clothes and I knew he was homeless.

When someone homeless comes into our library, it gives each of us a moment to pause. This one man came in every day and sat to read the paper. Most often he would stay all day in the summer months, or when it was raining outside. Most evenings when I closed up, I would have to wake him where he had fallen asleep at the paper had fallen on the floor by his feet. He said it was like home away from him. For a long time I was afraid to approach him from all the stories I had heard, but I realized he was just as human as anyone one of us.

So I braved a chance and spoke to him while he was reading none other then Homers the Odysey and I was taken by surprise. He was one of the most facinating patrons I have ever met. And it blew me away when I found out he spoke Russian. He was a well read man and before long I learned he was waiting for his wife who was in Russia. She was trying to get her green card and he was always using our computers to communicate with her.

To my surprise I found out he was truly homeless, living in his car. But one day after several months of him not coming in. (Which surprisingly worried me) He came in with his wife and daughter, clean shaven and working. She and her daughter had finally gotten their green card and moved to the States. After that day I never saw them again, but learned they had moved out of state. It was one story that has always touched my heart or hearts.

As a librarian we share many stories with our patrons, be it the smallest child or the oldest elder. We watch children come in our doors grow up and marry, and older ones leave our shelves forever. Though we may just be shadows you happen to meet at your public library, we continually watch and smile happily as time passes and our family grows.

Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

"I Love This Place", You Say

When you come into this fine establishment with your comments about how beautiful it is and how lucky we are to have added it to this community, I know now that some of you  "speak with fork tongue" (as the Indians would say).  Now I say this because I check the computer area after you leave and  trash is left on the computers and the floor.  I go outside after you've gone and find trash there. Oh, it's yours alright, because it's usually the ticket I print out for you.  (Your names are on it!)  We have provided trash cans all over the place for your convenience but somehow, after you've had your way with us "I Love This Place" is just a lot of ........


Sincerely,
The Fun Crafter

My Favorite Part of the Job

Today was a great day!  Not.  Today was the day I work overdues.  Where do I start.  The people who swear they didn't check out the book ever.  Somehow it just got on their card.  Today I had one who said she never had been in the library.  Now how would she have gotten a card if that was true besides I remember her from the other day because she has a weird name.  Then there are those who just cuss you out for even calling them.  Has it ever dawned on them someone else might like to read that book that has taken up residence in their home.  Maybe even me.  What I really like is the ones who just breeze in to check out more books (that they won't bring back)  and get mad when you tell them they have to pay their fines first.  Boy they love that.  Now sometimes I forget to bring mine back on time also,  but I just fess up and turn over the money.  What ever happened to telling the truth and taking your punishment.  At least my favorite part of the job is over for another week.  Sometimes you have to look for the little things to brighten the day other times they're just hard to find..

The Stoic Librarian

The Student

This is a story beyond stories for librarians and libraries alike. Times are hard, and that's especially true to libraries. Not even two months ago the governor of New Jersey cut funding in half for libraries, and almost eighty libraries in New Jersey had to close their doors. Its just as true anywhere as there.

So why do I bring that up, well I bring it up because the as we are librarians, we are always trying to find ways to save you time and money and give you an education. For example I provided computer classes to those who would like to take it. Free mind you.

What happens when the day of the class comes, after I call all of the patrons interested TWICE? Only one person shows up. To that one person I must commend you, thank you! You have proven yourself worthy of taking this class. As for the rest of you, you have just wasted valuable time and resources that are already in a pinch for us. You make me angry, Mad Dog angry... Don't mess with me like that.

If you can't come to the class call the library, it saves us a lot. We have spend many hours providing these classes free to you. By snubbing us, you are leading us to the dark side of the force, meaning lost funds that could be spent on books, or any number of things. And I'm sad for the one student that did come, because without those that didn't come I couldn't have the class. They had to give of their time to come and couldn't even have the class!!!

So please be considerate come to these classes the librarians have lovingly provided. Who knows it might be worth your while!

Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing Exhausted Librarian.

I Read Minds At The Library

Oh, if only I could read minds.  Patrons think I can or expect me too anyway.  They come to the front desk and just stand there so I look at them and say "may I help you."  Still they just look at me. It really ticks me off.  Finally they will say "I want a computer."  Now do they expect me to just give them one or do they want to use one of our public computers.  Beats me but I take a chance and check them out a computer.  Never please or thank you crosses their lips.  I really don't get paid enough for this job.  Wish I could teach a manners class but I'm sure no one would sign up to come.  Besides I'd never get paid extra to teach it.  Thank goodness I love my jobs and the books!!!!!

The Stoic Librarian

Library, How May I Help You?

Patron: 'Is this the library?"

Me: "Huh.... yes."

Awe the usual response I get from almost every person that calls the library. Sometimes I want to tell the patrons... NO DUH!!! Who were you calling, Grant Central Station? But alas no I can't.

Me: "How can I help you?"

Patron: "Oh I just wanted to make sure this was the library."

*slapping forehead*

So you called to find out if it was the library, WHEN I HAD JUST TOLD YOU?!? TWICE!!!! So there you go, if you do decide to call the library, please follow these three simple steps.

1.) Check the phonebook.

2.) Double check the number before calling.

3.) MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A LIGET QUESTION?!?!

So please be considerate, we are here to help, but we don't want to waste time better spent helping someone else. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

Quiet Please

One by one, almost every single day, they come into the library talking loud.  "Sssh", I say.   Then they proceed to the computer area when other patrons are hard at work doing something or another and these talkers go back there where they are and start talking, it seems, even louder.  Now, their cell phones start to go off--right after they've read the sign!

Sincerely,
The Fun Crafter

Grants Anyone?

Okay, lets go behind the scenes of the librarians that seem to sit there reading. (Not really, more like researching how to deal with the ever eccentric public and their demands.) There are grants to be written, reviewed, rewritten, chewed up, and rewritten and reviewed again.

To give you an idea of what this means for a librarian is constant nausea because we are crossing or fingers and toes hoping and praying a grant is rewarded. And why is that might I ask, well for all intensive purposes... TO KEEP THE LIBRARY AND MY JOB SAFE AND OPEN!!!

Not just that but just imagine how many grants ONE librarian can do in a month... uhh... let me think. SIX at ONE time. So just imagine accidently messing one up, oh yeah, really hard stuff here.

So when you go into a library and start complaining about their not having something, remember we are trying our best to get you want you want.

Sincerely,

The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

Wouldn't You Think People Who Come To The Library Could Read

Why do they come if they can't read?  Beats Me, but evidently they can't.  We have signs all over the library that cell phones must be turned off.  Yet several times a day someones phone goes off.   Phones don't just ring anymore either.  They play music or make all kinds of annoying sounds.
Today I had some guys who rang twice.  He didn't even get it after I told him to turn it off the first time.  So he not only could not read but he couldn't hear either.  What is a poor overworked librarian suppose to do?


Sincerely,
Stoic Librarian

What About Gripers?

I'm at work okay. Now here comes this patron: Something's wrong with the way the crickets have chosen our entryway  to die. So what?. We try, but we don't decide where  they die.  Then there's the part about the trash on our drive.  Pick it up already! Now once you're in the door, it starts up again-- The problem this time is the  spelling of your name (or rather the pronunciation) which is your family's fault, not mine.  Don't bring your  problems here; leave'em at home.   I let you use the library's computers but you want to make them your very own by monopolizing the computer time. Now who is nicer me or you?

Sincerely,

The Fun Crafter

Where Are The Parents

How is it that parents come in with their little kids but then they forget who they belong to?  They run around and cause havoc and the parents never seem to notice.  They put their stinky little fingers all over the glass doors, pull books off the shelves, slobbers on the stuffed animals.  While Mom or Dad never  even seems to notice.  If only I could just hand them a bottle of Windex and say, 'GO AT IT!!!!!!'

 Sincerely

The Stoic Librarian

A Stinky Patron

Okay, let's talk about the every once and a while a stinky patron. I don't know about you, but librarians are still human, meaning... we are still smell things people. So let's talk about those stinky -> people that waft through the library doors every know and again. I don't know about you but when you are at the front desk servicing the patron you. can't. go. anywhere.

You're dying at the front desk, trying not to breath in the strange little BO that seems to come off the patron in boat loads and seem to linger. I can understand some patrons have work and come in after, but come on it doesn't take two minutes to get in the shower and soap up.

So what does a librarian do to endure the torture of the stickiness. QUICKLY CHECK OUT THE PATRON!!!! PLEASE BEFORE I DIE OF OB!!!!

If only we could grab the Frebreeze and spray them down. Unfortunately no, so we have to smile (brittle little smile that it is) and say 'Do you want a computer or are you checking out a book?'

So whenever you come in a library, please be nice and take a spritz to your person before you come up to the front desk.

Thank you,


The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

Librarians and Where We Are Headed

Hola Bloggers,

So the lives of a librarian are on a lot of peoples mind with the new book 'Quite Please' and 'This book is overdue as seen below. Both of which I'm very proud to say are close to the truth.




Let the librarians ban together. That's one thing we can say as librarians is that we are very good at sticking together. LOL. Sand thing is we are always looking for new young blood. BWHAHAHAHA!!!

Teenagers of this age are a must for libraries and we are happy to have some. The gab between technology and the old brick and mortar buildings is widening and librarians as unexpected as it might sound is in fact bridging the gap as we speak!

So without further ado, I am establishing this blog to librarians and libraries alike. Let's rant and rave about our patrons, or volunteers and our staff. It's about time the word got out we aren't the stereotypical!

This blog will be maintained by three separate librarians and assistant librarians kept anonymous so as not to get yelled at by patrons and the like.

Myself: The Egg Wolfing, Exhausted Librarian

My Assistant: The Stoic Librarian

And my other Assistant: The Fun Crafter

So let us being!!!!!