It's always most gratifying when people who seem to be ambivilent about what you do end up being your biggest supporters.

In light of this, I need to make sure that people around me know when I think they're doing a terrific job.


The excitement is here. This is the library.

At one table, a mom is sitting and reading the newspaper while a little boy sits with her reading a picture book. He stumbles over a passage. She leans over, points to words as she "whisper" reads to him.

Two steps away

Two women are sitting close together. One is tutoring the other in English. It's time for a practice test.

Two steps away.

Two young ones are trying to choose one DVD. It's too hard. They try to talk the adult with them into two. It's too hard to choose between them.

Two steps away.

I almost crash into the delivery man, bringing materials that people requested from other libraries. It's time to watch where I'm going.

The generosity of people where you least expect it.
Case in point:
This week from two women who participate in our Books to Go program.

Both legally blind
Both with smiles in their voices.

One calls the library, excited about an audio book donation to share with others.
Another, excited about a wreath she created to thank the volunteer who delivers books to her.

And ripples form.

A library employee answers the phone and walks with a spring in her step for the rest of the day.
A volunteer accepts the gift and is inspired by the person he is helping.

Good people are out there.

The excitement is here. This is the library

I'm surrounded by all the good stuff.
But some people can't get to it, or can't use it the way it is.

So, we're looking for a solution.
I need a simple mp3 that a visually impaired person could use.
Push a button, make it play. That's all.

I need to be sure that people who need loud print can navigate the menu of a reader.
I think I'm close, but I'm afraid to say it out loud.

Any suggestions?


The excitement is here...this is the library

Ah....the wonders of an Excel worksheet.

The thrill of victory....the agony of defeat.

Formulas? Percentages? Fractions?

Fist beating, eye-rolling-back-in-the-head frustration.

Then....a lightbulb. Or maybe not.

Let's call in the big guns and get the office manager.

We're not giving this one up without a fight.

The excitement is here...this is the library.

Two men sitting outside on the bench, waiting for the library to open. It’s always awkward to unlock the door to come to work, and not let those waiting inside. But it was a beautiful day, the heat did not yet start to irritate. They were content to sit outside, drink their coffee and enjoy the moment.

A calm start to another day.

But make no mistake about it...


The excitement is here. This is the library.

It's official. Summer is here

Here's the moment:

It's 4:59. So far today, 196 Children have already signed up for the summer reading program. It's coming to the end of a long shift, I think.

Enter 1 reluctant reader + 1 frustrated mom. Enthusiastic library employee (does she ever get tired?) explains how it works, talking about programs, projects, reading rewards and ice cream parties. The boy is sure he's not going to find anything interesting to read, but trudges to the racks,and 10 minutes later emerges with a dinosaur book.
Library employee does a happy dance. Child grins, mom smiles, and they leave the library with book and summer reading folder in hand. See you next week.

Yeah. It's Summer.


The excitement is here. This is the library.

The library in a moment:

Dolly’s introducing someone to our playaways.

Jen is teaching someone how to log onto the computers.

Peggy’s helping a young one find the perfect chapter book.

Sarah is showing off the hermit crab.

Carol Z is busy, busy, busy, covering new books.

Carol Y. is working in fast motion, looking for requested items.

Barb is solving a Polaris problem.

Dave is checking in and checking out.

Anne is looking for her glasses.


The excitement is here. This is the library.