At the library: Returning to work at library was a dream come true

By Gwen Flannery

When I abruptly came home from college this spring, I had a feeling that the rest of the school year would be very different. For the end of my first year of college, I knew I wouldn't have the year-end celebrations with my new friends, see the campus filled with budding trees, or even get to stressfully study all day and night for the last final. Instead, I had to adapt to learning from home away from campus and friends around me. My new study spots became the kitchen table and couch and my study groups turned into family discussions about chemistry. While it wasn't my ideal way to finish my freshman year, I did my best and made it through the semester.

As soon as I submitted my last paper, I felt the sigh of relief pass over me. That relief only lasted for a second as I then began to think of what my summer would look like. Months before things started to change, I had plans for a full summer of activities and fun. Unfortunately, my perfect summer plans started to wither away. What was I going to do every day at home if I couldn't do anything? I started to believe I was going to be stuck staring at the ceiling each day waiting for something to change. Thankfully, that feeling of uncertainty went away in an instant.

A few hours later, I got a call from the library asking me to work there over the summer. I had left the library while I moved away for college and I had not imagined that I would have the possibility to come back. Working at the library was something I looked forward to every day during high school. Having the opportunity to come back seemed like an impossible dream, but after that phone call I had something to look forward to each day I could come into work. The library may have had changes while I was gone, but it is still one of the best places to be.

The biggest change has been working without the public in the library. Every librarian, myself included, enjoys talking with patrons that come in and helping them with any questions they might have. The library feels quieter now without the constant stream of patrons.

The kids' section feels very empty without kids playing with toys and enjoying the books around them. To continue to work with the public, the library has created the curbside pickup option for books and materials. The system is easy for everyone, no matter their age or reading ability. Items that have been sitting on the shelves for months are now being checked out and enjoyed once again.

My favorite part of curbside is shopping for patrons individually. When someone calls in, they can ask for specific books to check out or ask for a book within a genre or related to other books they have read. When someone gives us the chance to shop for them, it creates a fun challenge for all of us. I love having the opportunity to research books online related to a patron's interest and then search the shelves. Books seem to pop out at me as I'm shopping that work perfectly for each patron we help. Even if it is only one book, I enjoy getting to surprise each patron and make their day finding something new for them.

While my summer may not be filled with trips left and right, I have found new excitement coming into work and exploring what the library has on its shelves. I come home each day from work with a few books and movies in hand, even if I have a few at home I need to read! My days are now filled with working at the library and reading new books I bring home each day. So if you're wondering what you will do today or the next day during the summer, call us, and we'd love to help you find something new to read and enjoy!