Yes…this week we celebrate National Library Week when librarians celebrate themselves and the work they do. And no…I haven’t received one greeting card wishing me congratulations and I’m just sure it’s because everyone has so much to do that they’ve forgotten to visit their favorite Hallmark store to buy me a card. Oh wait…that’s right…no one sells Happy National Library Week cards.
Each year the Library I worked for and continue to work for as a returning retiree celebrates the week by offering a series of programs for adults and children in our various community libraries AND by organizing a Library Breakfast for staff. That’s where I’ve been today…eating breakfast with my fellow Library employees. Now before you think that library staff is spending public money to be treated to a breakfast meal in one of the reception rooms at a local country club, be aware that all library staff are expected to pay for their breakfast. This year’s cost…$20. Yep! That's an awful lot of money for the opportunity to pat yourself on the back.
I haven’t attended a Breakfast for years. I should mention that each year one or more well known authors come to the event to eat and speak about their experiences as an author. Authors I’ve heard speak at past Breakfasts include Jonathan and Faye Kellerman, Olivia Goldsmith, and the late Alex Haley (who drew a huge crowd and was an exceptional speaker). This year’s guest was T. Jefferson Parker, well known author of crime and mystery books and, although he turned out to be an entertaining speaker, he was not the reason I chose to attend this year. To be honest, the only reason I went was to sit and visit with two friends from work…and to see former coworkers who come together on this one day to visit with friends, trade good and bad library stories and, of course, to gossip. Yep…that was surely worth $20.
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16 comments:
It's always fun to get together with old and new co workers. Getting to listen to a famous author is a nice bonus!
:)
Near to us are three small town libraries that are lovely buildings from the early 1900's. One of these beautiful libraries is the Derby Neck Library in CT which is a Carnegie library which was restored and added on to. The nicest of the rooms is the periodical room with the beautiful woodwork, large windows and fireplace. Stunning. I've got to make the time to spend a saturday afternoon just browsing...
And we have several friends who are librarians at the aforementioned places.
Happy National Library Week ~
Happy National Library Week. i would happily pay $20 to hear any of these people speak. Last night i went to see Jonathan Letham. That was cool.
We really like celebrating Library week. And we appreciate our librarians very much...they're awesome. It probably helps that I live in a small town and know a bunch of them personally...I went to dog obedience class with one so we always have to check up on eachother's dog.
Thanks so much for your prayers. I mentioned to my friend the last time that she took him back that she wasn't setting a good example for the kids and she mentioned that the kids personalities had been affected. I really hate what he is doing to all of them, it's really tearing their oldest child up.
Happy National Library Week! Twenty dollars is a bargain, to have breakfast and dish with friends. Librarians should be appreciated. Like a lot of public servants, they are often taken for granted. Thank you for doing what you do and continuing to volunteer.
Susie: Schmoozing with friends is the highlight of most library functions.
Ralph: None of the libraries in our system are anything like the one you describe. I'd give anything to work in a library with a fireplace...how beautiful it must be.
Patti: Thanks for the NLW wishes...
Meno: I do love author talks...particularly authors I read and like. I always keep an eye out for announcements of author appearances at local bookstores.
Renee: When I was going to library school, my vision of the perfect library was one in a small town where I could consider my library patrons my friends as well.
Patches: Thanks for your nice words about librarians...sometimes we do feel so underappreciated even though most of us did not choose this career for the accolades.
Excuse me...National Library Week? We have been sister's all of my life (since you've been alive longer) and I never ever even heard of National Library Week. What's up with that????? If I had known, I would have baked you a cake and given you balloons and cards "In honor of National Library Week"...maybe next year...please remind me ;~D
hi
I saw you commented on "heartinsanfransisco"'s blog on the UK banning the holocaust from schools. I wanted to let you know this is FALSE. You can check the BBC and other news agencies.
I am British and am deeply disturbed that this report has been circulating - it is not true and will never be something acceptable in the UK!!!
I just wanted to set the record straight.
Thank you
Kirsty
ps - we *are* a civilised country!!
Lynn: If I'd known you would have baked me a cake, I would have groused about it sooner! Now let see...what kind of cake will I want next year.
Cursed tea: I humbly apologize for believing something I've read on the Internet. As a former librarian who taught patrons NOT to take everything they read on the Internet as fact, I should have absolutely known better. Sorry!
Happy National Library week!
I still remember being a little girl, my grandpa took me to the library and I was SHOCKED and thrilled that they actually let me BORROW THE BOOKS! I went home with a stack of books up to my chin (I, of course, had to carry them all) and I've never stopped going and I've tried to instill the same love of books and libraries in my two boys.
Sari: Our weekly ritual growing up was to visit our local library to check out piles of books. I can still remember the joy I felt whan I finally got my very own library card. I wish more parents would take an active role in encouraging their children to read by visiting their public library.
Lynn, I loved your comment. We are all cousins and I never heard Joan mention National Library week or if she did, we didn't hear it because as we all know librarians always whisper to keep the noise down.
I too want to hang out at Ralph's library.
Oh dear, I wasn't aware that this was National Library Week! Belated best wishes and I really ought to get in touch with my cousin and send her greetings also! She is the head librarian of a small library in Andover, Connecticut as well as a part-time librarian at one of the State Community Colleges. If I could do it over again, I would love to have her job but alas, I guess I am forever destined to dispatch emergencies!
Only oldest: Shush!
Linda: Thanks for the NLW wishes! If your cousin's Connecticut library is anything like Late Bloomer Boomer Patti's local library, I'm jealous!
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