We all remember our first job whether it was working in fast food or in my case at a library our memories will forever haunt us. Working at the library is the perfect job for one with a busy schedule who just wants a couple of dollars to help you make it to next month. The pros definitely out weigh the cons when it comes to working at the library. Here are a few of my experiences that you may have experienced during your first job as well.
1. Our "usuals" are nice most of the time.
We have those sweet older women and men that we know which type of book they are going to read and what update we are expecting to hear about their health or family. We also have a select few who come to make a billion copies or call for us to look up everything from who is running for president to how often should they water their plants. We enjoy everyone of our patrons and their generous donations.
2. Shelving isn't as bad as it seems.
When you first start out the dreadful cart is the last thing you want to see full. This cart is where every book, movie, audio book, CD, or magazine that has been turned in since that morning sits until the student comes in at 3:30 p.m. Once you get the hang of it that cart gets emptied quickly, and it's time to start your next job.
3. Believe it or not we actually can not just sit around and read.
After we shelve the items on the cart we are assigned small jobs such as "reading the shelves" which means you go to the shelf and make sure everything is in the right spot. We are an old library so dusting is a must and the windows get a shine every Saturday.
4. Yes, People still use public libraries for more than just the free wi-fi.
We have patrons from age four to 94 coming in here to check out books and do research. The library I work at, the Mary Willis Library, is the first free library open to the public in 1889, and we have only had 6 librarians since. We have a wide variety of books and continue to grow our selection each year through donations and our wonderful Friends of the Library.
5. Tourists! I have never seen so many tourist so often before I started working here.
It's amazing to hear stories of how people from all over find ancestors who lived in our lovely small town. I often wonder how do they even find us? Little did I know our town is known for the historic features including the Mary Willis Library, Robert Toombs house, and Callaway Plantation.
6. Why are y'all so strict?
When it comes to using the public library you get one free card and if you lose it, it's $2 to replace it. We do have guest passes for those who are out of state guests only. We can't let you on a computer without one, and we can't look you up to check out books, so stop asking.
7. What is there for kids to do?
The Mary Willis Library is the place to be if you are a child in the summer time. There is always something on the calendar from story time to a live petting zoo our kids love to come to the library and get prizes for the books they read while enjoying our activities. We even play recent movies in our multi-purpose room every Wednesday and Friday.
8. Is that old place haunted?
This is the question we get over and over again. When I first started working here I would hate to shelf nonfiction because they are in the older section. I have never had a ghost encounter, but the building is old so if you are quiet enough you can hear small creaks in the floor as you walk.
9. Fines!
We all forget about our when our books are due every now and then, but don't complain to me when you owe a small fee. The Pines system has a once day grace period which lets you be a day late, and you can call to renew your items over the phone. Also, I know your kids are messy eaters, but I wasn't the one who left the book on the table, and yes, you do have to pay for the damages. Don't yell at the staff for charging you or letting you know you owe a fine, and don't expect to get on the computer if you owe fines.
10. Christmas time is the best time!
You think your Christmas parties are great, we have so many patrons bring us all types of goodies. Something about Christmas in our small town makes coming home from college so much better. We have our own Christmas tree with handcrafted ornaments from our kids and craft workshops galore. From Fancy Nancy tea parties to Christmas coloring sheets there is no better way to get in the spirit.
11. Pranks wars!
I know it seems crazy to pull pranks in such a quiet place, but once all of the patrons are out the real fun happens. While tidying up from our crafts or just putting old junk in the attic we have plenty of opportunities to break-in the student workers. From teaching them how to open the attic door only to open it and jump out at them with a giant scarecrow to putting fake spiders at the women in the back's desks the jokes and pranks keep us on our toes. We haven't had a prank in a while, so I'm sure one is coming soon.
