#library workers

[thebadphilosopher]

during my library booksale a patron approaches with a stack of dvds

PATRON: dvds are $1 right?

ME: yes

PATRON: sweet I got 10 of them. You have a great collection

ME: sir, where did you get these?

PATRON: behind me

ME: Oh, those aren't for sale, but they're part of the library so you're free to check them out

PATRON: ...how was I supposed to know that?

ME: *stares at the three labels clearly saying the DVD is part of the library* Did you want to check them out?

PATRON: I'd have to return them though?

ME: ...yes

PATRON: nevermind

[melodicrotation]

I never see it here so Happy National Library Workers day to all library staff - librarian, aide, circulation, bookmobile, outreach, tech services, EVERYONE ✨️📚

[booksinmythorax]

Hey library workers? Please take your sick days. If at all possible, if you can, please stay home when you are sick. I know some people get anxious about using that time, but when you do:

a) you make it culturally easier for your coworkers to use their own sick days when they're not feeling well

b) you might be preventing someone else from getting sick long-term if you have something contagious, ESPECIALLY if you have flu or cold-like symptoms that could very well be COVID even if you're testing negative

c) you break the culture of "saving" your sick time for some nebulous benefit twenty years from now (I'm all for saving for retirement, but you could get hit by a bus tomorrow - take your sick days)

"But my library is short staffed - " Not your problem. That's your hiring manager(s)' problem. If they try to make it your problem, that's them being bad at management.

"But what if I need that time later to take care of someone else - " That time exists for you to take care of yourself and others. Put your own mask on first.

"But I work in a library! They need me! But the community - " Vocational awe never made anyone healthier. Now more than ever, as library workers are expected to take on more and more work for the same pay, it's important for all of us to take care of ourselves and each other.

"But I'm part time and I don't have any paid sick time!" Okay, you've got me beat here. It is embarrassing that we don't give paid sick days to part-time workers DURING A PANDEMIC. It is embarrassing that so many people who work for an institution most people hold up as a public good are not given basic health benefits. (This is USAmerican specific and I hate it.) I don't have easy answers for you, but as an immune-suppressed library worker, I would ask that you consider staying home when you're sick and asking to make up your missed hours on a day you're feeling better. If they need you today, they'll probably need you tomorrow.

If you're full time, or if you live in a country where your government has figured out that paid sick time should be a human right for everybody, please stay home if you're not feeling well. Library workers deserve to take care of ourselves. We just do.

[unhinged-soapbox]

Something you should know about the library that I work at is that the director is a 70 year old man who is proof that ADHD is not a new thing and has enough energy to convince you he is at least 20 years younger (I love him, he's my favorite person, I plan on dedicating the day he retires to standing knee-deep in the sea and staring at the horizon in mourning).

Another thing you should know is I supervise the closing shift. I usually see him on his way out, but the people I supervise do not, and many have never met him.

The last thing you should know is sometimes he shows up late into the night to do Wild Library Director Nonsense like ask me how I think we can improve the collection or how we can connect more with the students on campus or what video game I'm playing these days. Or he locked his keys in his office and needs my help to get them back. Keep in mind, he is no longer in professional dress when this happens. He is usually in a baseball hat and hoodie.

So now. I need you to picture this wonderful man coming behind the front desk unprompted and saying "My friend! I locked my keys in my office and also my coat, can you help me? Also how is Stardew Valley going? My kids just informed me there is a cookbook, should we put it in the library?" While these 19 year olds look on in horror because there is a RANDOM MAN back here and "Madam Supervisor please do something, why are you GOSSIPING with him? Oh wait he probably works here."

And then after he leaves I need to explain to them that that man is in charge of the entire library.

[sadderbutwisergirrl]

Thank you notes to the Library from children.

[Image description:

Cards with adorable children’s handwriting saying, “Thank you for doing what you hafe to.” and “The best Librarians. I love coming to the Library. In my Library era”]

[sundaifm]

Work Fit

I like working in a library! I get to help people at no cost to them and I get to read a ton!! It’s amazing the accessibility I have to so many books and it’s really reignited my love for reading

I’m also on top of what’s new, what’s popular, current trends; but what’s really made me happy is the opportunity to have discussions with other people about the books I’ve read. It’s a burst of serotonin when I get to share my thoughts with others about books we’ve read lol

[owlsinleatherjackets]

hey @ grishaverse fandom: I work in a public library and I just thought y’all should know that our copies of Six of Crows keep disappearing. one turned up neatly shelved in the wrong section, but I think the others are getting stolen taken home without being checked out. and I just thought that was really fitting

[lt-sarai]

I cannot fathom the ego and audacity this clearly boomer woman has to think this would do anything but make every library employee laugh their asses off.