Dammit Jim, I'm a librarian, not a punching bag

Exhibit A. "I put a two books on hold this morning and I thought I'd check to see if you had them on hold for me."
"We don't have that book in the library so it'll take three to five business days to get there."
"It said the book was there and I need two copies for my kid's report tonight. It needs to say it's going to take three to five days online when you order the book."
"Um."
"you need to tell someone that they need to put that on the site."
"Okay"
"I mean I know you can't do anything because you're just a librarian, but you need to tell someone....blah blah blah."

And lady, you a. need to learn to read and b. not yell at me.

Exhibit B. "I'm in Chicago and I need to renew a book."
"Okay what's your card number" Pull up record, renew. "Okay sir, your book is now due on April 24 and you have a late fee of $3.50"

"But I called to renew. And I still get a late fee?"
"The book was late, it was due on March whatever."
Heavy sigh. Hang up.

Are You Kidding Me?

The new bright idea for the library to generate revenue is to sell hunting and fishing licenses or possibly do passports photos and all. So that means library staff will have to take pictures and if it's passports the patrons will want us to help them fill it out. It will be worse than the free tax program. I say sure, just do it at the Central library where it's like a tomb and not at the busy branches that don't have enough staff.

Bummed on a Spring Day

Lily's Mom here: I went to the funeral of one of my blogger friends today. She was the most consistent follower of Lily's blog. Her name is Ginger and she wrote taxicab of the absurd. Ginger was a children's librarian who would play and sing in addition to storytelling. I did hear her sing at a storytime when I filled in at Landa and I thought it was a really cool idea. I knew Ginger mainly through her blog and a few emails. I am very sad not to have gotten to know her better, from everything I've heard, she sounds like the perfect rolemodel for me (an aspiring children's librarian). Her funeral included a storytime for children and one of my favorite songs "I'll Fly Away." It's a beautiful day today and I hope Ginger is flying!

Decline of the intellect

Why is it you humans seem to have problems with smart people? People who go to college and learn things are being usurped by dumb ass people who will do ANYTHING and I mean anything to be on Telly. I've been watching a few so called reality shows and I don't quite understand what the appeal is in watching obviously stupid people compete for some ugly man. Like this one show all these bimbos live in a house with this guy and he's like doing all of them. I know us cats do that but we're animals. Show some self-respect girls. He's a no good man-whore who is semi famous for being a rapper or something (or possibly famous for being on a reality television show)and all you dumb asses are throwing yourself at him. Even if he chooses you ultimately he's not gonna marry you! There's no freakin' way. Please, tell me a story with real actors acting out fake, but potentially thought provoking stories. I am sick of the "real" life and "experts" on Oprah who don't have degrees in anything. Oprah seems to think anyone who writes a book is an expert. Doctors Oprah....look into them, get a second opinion before you spew out what's "best for everyone." Maybe that's how that Million Little Pieces liar guy was able to fool you. Sigh.

It's a Boy!

Mom was surprised when she took India to the vet to be "fixed" and she is actually a he. His name is still India though Dad is trying to call him Indy.

Sure, Happy Holidays and all that

I'm sure some of you are having happy holidays, but I am livid, I tell you LIVID! My parents had the audacity to get ANOTHER kitten. She's mostly black like me and cute, like me and has good fur, like me. So if she's alot like me, why do they have to get ANOTHER me. Okay, she is young and frisky and keeps Bengal from chasing me quite so much. But tell me when will the madness end? Will four cats be enough to make them stop adopting. I sure hope so because I'm not sharing any more food. Just so you know, if you're interested, her name is India.

Can't we all just get along

Woman on Phone: I just wanted to tell you there's a homeless man outside your building everyday at 3 when the kids get out of school.

Me: Is he doing anything to harrass the kids? Is he making trouble?

WoP: No, I just wanted you to know that he's there EVERY day just sitting out where the road curves in front of the library and there's children out there.

Me: Well, it's a public space and as long as he isn't doing anything inappropriate or making troubleI can't just kick him off the property.

WoP: You'll be sorry when he rapes one of the kids! Thank you (said sarcastically) -hangs up.