Librarians always hear this from acquaintances: “Oh, I’d love to be a librarian! I LOVE to read!”. Every librarian I know grinds their teeth when they hear it again. My usual response is “Hmm, yes, I love to read too. I do it on my own time.”
The reality is that working in a library is very different from what most people expect. Every day is different, a challenge, an adventure. As the director of the Library, I often have to handle unexpected situations, and sometimes the day’s plans are just wrecked.
This past Monday was a prime example. I started out seeing to the usual paperwork that had built up over the weekend. I have to authorize pretty much every piece of paper here—program contracts, purchase orders, time off requests, meeting room requests, etc., so it accumulates fast and I need to stay on top of it. And, hey, that’s reading!
Then, the State Comptroller’s office finally opened the tax cap form—two weeks later than promised—so I had to spend (waste) several hours playing phone tag with their hotline in order to get a username and password, which wasn’t sent automatically as promised. I finally received the information I needed and was then able to fill out the reporting form, which took less than a minute once I had access. Next I took a few minutes to connect with ILoveRiverhead’s Nancy Swett, and to take down the display she and I had coordinated here at the Library.
A little while later, an employee asked to talk with me, and I spent some time with her discussing a scheduling issue. Then a patron asked to talk to me, because she disagreed with a Library policy. So I spent some time talking to her, explaining the reason for the policy. After this I proofread our March/April newsletter and sent off some revisions. I spent a little time finalizing the Library’s proposed 2012-2013 budget to bring to the special meeting of the board for approval. (The special meeting was necessary because of the delay from the comptroller’s office.)
Somewhere in the middle of this typically chaotic day, I was able to look at the nonfiction collection and discuss its placement with another librarian. Because, you know, I am actually a librarian too.
Nope, didn’t get to read yesterday, unless you include contracts, policies, draft newsletters, and budget information. Just a day in the life of a library director!
Lisa Jacobs is the director of Riverhead Free Library, located at 330 Court Street, Riverhead.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.