Why Is It

the one Sunday shift I cover has a door count of 75 after 3 minutes of being open. "A new record" is what the Sunday Circ manager tells me. Another reason why I didn't "volunteer" to take over a vacant Sunday shift is what I call it.

You Are What You Eat.

There's currently a County wide health competition going on between all the different agencies. Much like the episode of "The Office" where all of the Dundler Mifflin offices see which can lose the most weight. I was asked to join our branch's team. And I totally would have, honestly(!), even for the free t-shirt and pedometer, but I would not have enough time to devote to it. Plus I'm a self proclaimed fat ass and I would be the weakest link.
But I'm not sure how "our team" expects to win when you walk into the break room every day and find these goodies sitting there calling your name.

How to Survive Meetings Tip #25

Using an amusing writing utensil preferably with moving parts or lights can keep you and your coworkers entertained. The feather waves really made the pen worth it while I was taking notes (aka doodling).

Lost and wtF...

You would not believe what people leave behind here. From high security ID badges to whole sets of keys. I'm not sure how so many people can forget their keys, I'm also not just talking about those that use their key chain card, walk out to their car, and then come back inside looking for them. There was a set of house/car keys sitting in the L&F for a good month. The funniest thing about it was the single condom holder attached to the keyring.
Today someone "left" a stroller and blanket in the parking lot. Some parent is really absent minded or some kid got in really big trouble and was forced to walk home. Either way, this thing has been in my way all day and is about to find itself on Craigslist...

Suck Times Infinity...

So the County is strapped for cash, where else to look for loose change but the pockets of the patrons? July 1st ushered a new era of sucking: new fees, new rules, and new hours. Yup seems like everything is new except the bacteria infested public keyboards are still the same, except now they're a little bit more grimier! We are now charging to look up accounts for those who do not have their library card with them. "Adding value to the library" card is what they're calling it. I call it another reason for patrons to argue with us. Of course my first two look up fees are for two elderly ladies. I seriously would have conveniently "forgotten" about the newly enacted fees, but a manager was working the desk near me and were watching. So my sincerest apologies to those two ladies, I really would have looked out for you.

Black Sunday

Last Sunday was a sad day across the County as all of the Sunday staff only got the boot. I think the number of library employees that have gotten the shaft is in excesss of 500+. The Circ side was cool, they are all in my generation. The library system needs some young blood. To all the library staff that have lost their positions, you will be sorely missed (pours out some liquor).

This is No Way to Live...

I wasn't planning to come home from my night class to only be stuck in the electric-less dark. Damn you unexpected summer thunderstorms! (shakes fist angrily upwards)

It's Perfectly Acceptable..

To call out of work to watch a premiere of a movie that brings back childhood memories. All the negative reviews about Transformers 2 did nothing to dissuade me from watching it opening day. I don't know what all the fuss was about, its an action movie. How can you complain then that there's "too much action?" Just sounds like a bunch of Michael Bay haters. The only thing that did bother me was the amount of cussing, another sign of my aging, I guess. I didn't think it was needed, but whatever, box office numbers completely contradicted whatever critics had to say.



Oh, and I know I should feel bad about leaving my coworkers "short staffed" last Wednesday night, but me calling out is really nothing in the long run. How is it possible that both of the Circ managers are taking their vacations during the same week? But yet when one of my coworkers requested to take off the first week of this upcoming December one manager gave her a hard time. With both of them gone it sounds like a perfect time to form a coup...

Damn you Summer Reading!

So I have worked 3 summers at 3 different branches. The past 2 were smaller community branches. This year I am stuck at a much bigger regional branch. Today was a typical horrible Friday. I alone registered at least 8 new patrons. The majority of them were applying so they could borrow books for their childrens reading requirements. I will be the first to admit that I work my ass off on the desk but slack a little when I'm off. I need the time off the desk to recover. So where else to head on a Friday night?

One of the Many Hazards of the Bookdrop...

Never mind the occasional book that flies down the shoot at the speed of light thumping you on the head. This little thing could probably do some damage if it bit you. Luckily my coworker saw it and called me over before she reached in there. I took care of it...