This past week of library work was fairly uneventful. There were the usual chores, of course: Check books in, wash books, shelve books, check books out, repeat. Answer occasional computer help requests. Look up account info to explain why there were overdue charges. There were a few unusual matters worth noting though.
First, I am the "Adult Programming" specialist. This means I need to plan and run various programs for adult patrons, including offering monthly crafts, scheduling speakers, or even presenting informational programs myself. The library district adult programming coordinator is interested by the possibility of a Bitcoin and cryptocurrency intro program, so I have been gathering info on that topic to prepare an handout, a presentation outline, and a Powerpoint slideshow. Yes, Steem will be mentioned.
Second, I had to be the mean library disciplinarian today. Several of the library urchins descended upon our quiet Saturday and proceeded to chat noisily while playing Minecraft on our computers. After repeated warnings to use text chat in game instead of talking intensely and loudly between desks, I had to put my big ugly foot down and refuse to extend their time for a second hour. Yes, I am truly a tyrant.
Third, we had a cleanup issue again earlier this week. It wasn't as bad as when someone covered the restroom wall in #2 graffiti, but it wasn't pleasant. A young-ish mother was using the catalog computer while her older kid was browsing the picture books. This child brought some selections to his mother, and then suddenly made an alarmed utterance and dashed for the restroom key. It wasn't for his own use, though. His younger sibling, a toddler, had unleashed a bladder loaded with more urine than his diaper could handle, and our carpet suddenly had wet sprinkles all over. The mother swept up her leaky offspring to escort to the restroom, and I gathered some carpet cleaner to spray the area. I strategically positioned a chair over the now semi-sanitized zone in question, and went back to complete the cleanup later after finding the rest of the appropriate tools.
So there is your glimpse into the glamorous life of a small-town librarian, at least until @generikat offers something more interesting from her experiences. I have to be honest though, at least the people who flirt with me aren't as creepy as the ones who seem to flirt with her, based on her tales...
If you like this post, please comment, follow, and resteem!
Well, they aren't tales, they're traumatic happenings!
You missed the time I actually got to deploy the vomit absorber. Ever since that package of cedar smelling small animal bedding stuff arrived in the courier I must admit I found myself curious about it's absorbent power. That said, I wish I could have passed on utilizing it all together.
I have to ask though, did you message the Minecraft Mouthcateers through PC Res? I love to traumatize the talkers with an over the computer screen warning. Makes me feel like a DOS dictator! WOOO!
I didn't send messages to their screens. I needed to personally speak to them so the people they were bothering were also aware that I was keeping an eye on their noisiness. PR matters too. But the psychological warfare tactic you suggest will be utilized if needed.
Ha ha! I always speak first, digitally terrorize second, end session third. Works great!
Ahhh, the joys of dealing with the 'general public.' lol
Sound like you had an eventful day! Hoping your relaxing now and getting ready for another day of like in a library. :) Cheers!
Reminds me of being a lead tech at a childrens'-arcade-pizza-shop. Let's just say I cleaned up a lot of things I never want to deal with ever again.
Good post.resteemd