Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Newburyport Public Library Children's Room

Finally, I am posting some pictures of my new library's children's room!

First, the children's reference desk.  At this library, not only do we do reference and readers' advisory, we also do our own check-ins and check-outs (see the return slot by the door?) and shelving.


This is the view from the door.


This is a view of the non-fiction.


This is a cozy corner surrounded by picture book shelving.


From inside the children's room, a view in to the children's programming room.  Isn't it beautiful how they have those wooden windows to see into the room?


This is the inside of the children's programming room.  I love the carpeted, built-in risers.


Another door in the children's programming room goes outside.


A cozy nook in the children's (chapter book) fiction.


The children's computers.  All adults are kicked off if a child is waiting!


It is the nicest room.  We have plans.  The beige walls will eventually go by the wayside, replaced by color.  That should make a huge difference!  We are also thinking of teen murals (perhaps of nursery rhymes?) on the posts.

Pictures of other parts of the library will be posted later!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Silly Me!

A little three-year-old patron came in to the library and was stomping around and growling.

"Are you a dinosaur?" I exclaimed.

"No," replied the boy, stomping by.  "I'm Bobby*."

"He's in a literal phase," said his Mom.


*Name has been changed so people don't stalk him for a dose of cuteness.

I'm the Paranoid and Suspicious One?

Well, I've never asked, but I don't feel like my friends and family would label me as paranoid or suspicious.  However...

At my new library, I was learning the various policies.  In this case, I was learning about lost items.  My colleague was giving me examples of the few extenuating circumstances in which we might wave fees for lost items.  These included things such as car theft, break-ins or fire.

As per the policy of my old library, I asked if we required a police report as proof.

"Um, no," said my colleague.  "We generally take their word for it."

Huh.

"So," I followed up.  "Have you had patrons with chronic "break-ins"?

"No, we really haven't," replied my colleague, looking at me askance.

Everywhere I turn in this library, I find I'm expecting patrons to manipulate the system and behave badly.  I fear it's going to take me a while to assume the best of them.  How pathetic!  I'm so glad I'm here.  Apparently I am the paranoid and suspicious one.

Small Town Life -- Example #2

Last week I closed on my condo.  The former owner gave me three sets of keys.

"Perfect!" I said.  "One set for me, one set for the contractor, and one set for the painter."

"Oh," said the former owner.  [Pause]  "Are you going to lock your doors?"

Um, yeah.  I guess I've lived in the city for too long.

Small Town Life -- Example #1

On Friday, I had to go to City Hall to finish filling out some paperwork.  When I met with a woman in Human Resources, she said, "I heard you bought a condo!"

Well, yes, I did.  But...huh.

If I Were Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle

If I were Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, I would want to live in this house:






Well, perhaps as a second home.  I wouldn't want to pass up her upside-down ship house.

P.S. What is this new "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" cover?  (See link above.)  I am not a fan.

A Little New England Humor

One of many beautiful Newburyport homes:








A home with owners who have a sense of humor: