MENU

May 31, 2011

Ha Ha...

Oh, I went and told my Director today about how rude the other library's clerical staff was to me on Saturday. He said he was going to bring it up next time he saw their director at a meeting. In the words of Nelson Muntz, HA HA!!

Busting My Ass...

While I was trying to reach for folders hidden under my desk for my Department Head today I fell off my chair, busted my ass and slammed my back (directly on my spine) against the corner of said desk which is made of metal. After it happened I was forced to fill out my own accident form because my Department Head was busy -- She thought it would be good for me to learn how to fill out the form. So, you can probably guess that I've not had such a great day.

This incident was proceeded by a group of teens and their aunt who wouldn't get off of our computers, a bitchy middle school aged girl that I had to put in her place and chocolate peanut butter ice cream -- The ice cream was the highlight of my day.

I hope tomorrow goes a little better and my back stops hurting.

May 29, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 87...

Happy Birthday...

Happy birthday to my little sister!

May 28, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 86...

Service With An Attitude...

Today Justin and I decided to go to the library by where he lives for the first time ever. We go in looking for season two of The Big Bang Theory, which ended up being out but due that day. Since it wasn't back yet I decided to be mean and take out season three so if the person dropped the other season off they couldn't have it -- Yeah, I'm a dick. So, I check that season out with my ID because apparently knowing my library card number wasn't good enough for the clerk at the library.

Later on I look online and see that season two had been returned, so Justin and I headed back to the library to get it. I get one of the Pages to give it to me from the back because they hadn't shelved it yet and then I headed to circulation. I busted out my ID for the new bunch of ladies at circulation and they were so rude to me. "We can't look up out of district patrons library card numbers... Blah blah blah..." I had Justin give them his card and they continued to be annoying (Justin's library card is from the library I work at because it's the only library he ever walks into). After being pains and checking it out for us they look at us and say "You don't have to return it here, you can return this at your home library..." I looked at the two bitches and told them I knew that because I was a librarian at my home library. Once I said that those bitches changed their tune... "Oh, why didn't you say you were a librarian?! We would have checked it out for you out of courtesy!"

I could not believe how rude they were to me. I cannot wait to tell my Director on Tuesday so he can tell their Director that their clerical staff is rude to out of district patrons.

May 27, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 85...

May 26, 2011

May 23, 2011

May 22, 2011

Year One Photos...

This is just a handful of the photos from the past year.

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 80...

One Year Blogiversary...

A year ago today I began to share my misadventures with all of you and I wanted to thank those of you that have been reading my blog, my tweets and all of my other randomness.

In the past year I’ve traveled to nine different countries, graduated with my MLIS, been to numerous meetings and conventions, dealt with crazy patrons and stupid coworkers, gone on road trips, made new friends, dyed my hair at least four different colors, gone to more baseball games than you all have probably cared to read about, been asked to be a bridesmaid, fought and made up with various people, gotten drunk on more than one occasion and created at least a little bit of chaos in the library.

I hope that more of the above, as well as the opportunity for new adventures arise this year and for many more years to come. As long as I am living my life and having adventures I’ll continue blogging and I hope that you all will continue to follow my journey through life.

Thank you for supporting me!

May 21, 2011

Look In Fiction...


"Rhymes With Orange" by Hilary B. Price (September 22nd, 2008)

Unwanted Book Drop Off...

Ten minutes before the library was supposed to close today a man walks up to the Adult Reference librarians and tells them he has books he wants to donate to the library. They tell him that they can't take them at the very moment he walked in because the library is closing soon. So what does the guy do? He leaves six boxes of books in front of the library so that people can just grab books from it.

It was a really dick move on this guys part because there were some nice books in some of those boxes that the library could have used. Instead of coming back tomorrow and giving the library the books he left them outside on a day when it was supposed to rain shortly after he left them.

When we saw the boxes outside we were cursing up a storm and then we all looked through the boxes -- We librarians love ourselves some books. I grabbed some of the exceptional looking books and threw them into my car so that I can bring them into work on Monday and put them in the collection.

I wonder if the books are still outside the front of the building...

More Weeding...

Here are some more awesomely bad books (and one rogue VHS tape that somehow got left on the shelf) that I've found throughout my latest adventures weeding through the non-fiction collection.




The Living Dead & Libraries...

While I was working with "Pamela" today she introduced me to Library of the Living Dead which is this awesome graphic novel guide to libraries that the librarians at the McPherson College came up with to teach its students how to use the library. It is just one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. I loved it because it combines two of my favorite things, libraries and zombies. If you love zombies and libraries you should check it out.

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 79...



Happy Saturday...

Despite all of the crap that went on yesterday I managed to have a really nice day at work today. I got to work with our part-time librarian "Pamela" for the first time in forever, I went out with "Mama Page" for lunch, "Favorite Page #1" & "Favorite Page #3" came to visit me, there were cupcakes, pictures were taken, books being read out loud, etc. It was a nice Saturday.

Library Articles...

Patience, Fortitude and a Whole Lot of Legos
Ashford University Introduces Bachelor's Degree in Library Science & Media
Library Pages Laid Off & Reinstated In Same Week - Trustees Upset
Libraries In The Internet Age
Waukegan Library Among 16 To Receive State Grants

Battle Over ADD...

On Thursday I was weeding through a bunch of books that "Mini Page" had pulled from the stacks. As I was doing so I was talking to "Favorite Page #1" and I came across a book about ADD. I chuckled at the cover, showed the book to "Favorite Page #1" and said I should probably get rid of the book because ADD doesn't exist in the same sense as in the book. "Julia" who was sitting at her desk as I was doing this, turns to me and asked me what I said. I repeated that ADD doesn't exist and that ADHD is what people are concerned with. Then she said to me in a snippy tone who was this according to. As you can guess I got snippy back and said I guess the psychologist of the world and that in the next DSM. I said 'They don't care about you unless you're hyper' I said this as a general statement, but apparently she took it personally.

The next day I found out that later on that day (At least three hours later) that she went upstairs to the staff room and was crying uncontrollably. She cried so much that the Director didn't understand what she was saying and made her write it down. At some point she came downstairs and begged our Department Head to let her leave, she wouldn't let her because she had no idea what was going on. Eventually "Julia" told her her version of the story -- In her version of the story I am a hostel person and she wants to quit.

When I found out about all of this (From the Head Clerk/Union President) I stormed into our office, kicked "Mini Page" out and told the Department Head what had actually happened . She said she was glad I told her because "Julia's" story didn't make much sense to her, but she was upset I was told about it because "Julia" didn't know what she wanted to do and she didn't want me to be pissed off all weekend.

I really cannot believe her. She claims that I'm hostel and aggressive, but what about her? She talks down to me, the Pages and other staff memebers. She thinks that because she has been a librarian for X amount of years that she is entitled to God knows what and she throws how long she has been a librarian in people's faced when they do something she doesn't like. I'm sorry, just because you've been a librarian for however many years doesn't make you a good librarian. She's actually a pretty shitty librarian in more than one sense. The only thing she is good at is recommending books, that's about it. She isn't personable, she can't do arts & crafts, she has a horribly irritating storytime voice, she cannot execute anything properly, etc.

I'm not looking forward to Monday because I know that at some point in the day (If she shows up to work at all) that she is going to ask me to talk to her in private. I'm telling you all right now that there is no way in hell that will happen. I refuse to talk to her alone because I don't trust her. From here on out I am going to request that she doesn't talk to me unless it is absolutely work related. I'm going to tell my Department Head that under no circumstance will I be alone with this woman. I'm done dealing with this bitch. No more semi-nice Misfit Librarian.

May 20, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 78...


I left all of these books on "Sarah's" desk for when she comes back from where ever the hell she has been for the past several days. She is always complaining that there is never enough work for her to do.

May 19, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 77...

Cramps? Really?!...

I was informed by both "Amy" and "Marie" that "Julia" has somehow gotten away with getting out of doing various work related tasks because she claims she is having extreme menstrual cramps once a month. Really?!?!!! That is a load of bull shit, especially seeing as the entire department is comprised of females.

I'm assuming my rage over this and a bit of confidentiality kept my Department Head from telling me this when she begged me to cover a school visit for "Julia" about a week ago. Because I'm pretty sure she knows if she told me I would have went crazy and cursed up a storm.

I honestly cannot wait for "Julia" to mention so I can tell her off. I think it is the biggest load of crap ever. I'll let you know how things go next month.

Library Articles...

O.C. Sex Offender Charged With Indecent Exposure At Library
The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library Opens At University Of Chicago
Leeds City Council To Close 13 Libraries
Libraries Work To Boost Image
School Boards Finding It Tough To Fund Libraries

May 18, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 76...

May 17, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 75...

Bye Bye Bitch...

While I was off yesterday I got a text message from my Department Head letting me know that "Sarah" gave a verbal four week notice and she'll soon be out of my life forever. Apparently she and her boyfriend are moving to Florida, which makes no sense seeing as her boyfriend is unemployed and according to her, she is making less money here than she was getting from unemployment. But whatever, let that bitch rot in the Florida heat. I cannot wait for her to leave.

Library Articles...

Making The Switch From Professional Wrestling To Working In A Library
New York Public Library Launches iPad App
Layoffs, Interrogations: L.A. School Librarians Under Fire
Library Journal's New Landmark Libraries: Focus On Children, Teens
Boards Should Support School Libraries
Detroit Public Library May Close Only 6 Branches
Celebrating 100 Years At The New York Public Library

May 16, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 74...

May 15, 2011

Library Vocabulary...


May 14, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 72...

Return Of "Favorite #1"...

"Favorite Page #3" and I went over to "Favorite Page #1's" house to surprise her because it was her first day back from her first year away at college. I picked up lunch and cookies for everyone and we waited at her house until she got back. She was happy and surprised to see us -- We threw confetti at her as she walked in. After lots of hugs, we all ate lunch and we talked for hours before she had to go run errands with her mother. I'm so happy she is home and I can't wait for her to come back to work.

Lady Librarian...

Lady Gaga just put out her first article for V magazine and in it she refers to herself as a librarian of glamor. Here is a link to the article (RE: Piet Mondrian & Library Cards) for those of you that haven't read it yet.

Library Articles...

New Landmark Libraries
A 'Disgraceful' Challenge Of L.A.'s School Librarian

May 13, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 71...

RE: Stalker #4...

While Lenni and I were setting up for Drawing Club she looks at me and asks me if I heard that one of our crazy patrons died. I said I hadn't so I asked her who it was and what they looked like. The first description out of her mouth was it was the "guy who was always reading the Bible by the magazines" -- This description didn't help me seeing as I work with the kids in a different department, in a different portion of the building. So, I asked for a bit more information and it turns out that it was "Stalker #4" she was describing. Apparently he died in his sleep on Tuesday night. I guess I'm glad I was kinda nice to him when he blew kisses at me and told me he hoped God blessed me during the day on Tuesday. Lets hope he has better things to do than come back and stalk me in his after life.

Summer Staff Meeting...

We are currently in the middle of a staff meeting to discuss what programs we want to have over the course of the summer.

Ideas That Tweedledum & Tweedledee Came Up With:
  • "Julia" wants to do a Nancy Drew Read-a-Thon, which I think is lame.
  • "Amy" wants to teach various aged children about different artists and do crafts with them. This would be a good idea if she wasn't a craft retard.
  • Tie-dye shirts
  • Sand art bracelets
  • Manga workshop -- This would be fine if they knew anything about manga, which they don't.
I find all of their ideas to be uninspiring so I came up with the best idea ever, ask "Mini Page" what kind of things she'd want to come into the library and do as crafts -- She is a younger teenagers and in the age group we are trying to target. As a result of this, she is currently on a computer looking up craft ideas. I'll let you know if she comes up with anything good.

Library Articles...

New York Public Library Hands Out Free Books
Foreign Language Papers From Libraries To Encourage English Speaking

May 12, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 70...

Librarian With A Headache...

I've been stuck at work all day with a crazy headache and my Department Head won't let me leave. I've been begging her for hours to let me go home, instead she told me to just sit at my desk and do random things. Is she really that desperate to have an extra body in the department? All I want is to go home and take a nap.

Update: About 10 minutes after I posted this I finally got my Department Head to let me leave and go home. It was only 40 minutes early but I was happy to get out of there and go lay down in my bed.

May 11, 2011

Porn At The Library...

Libraries Evolve With eBooks...

Library Articles...

Why Libraries Still Matter
Libraries Evolve With eBooks
Libraries, Children and Porn

Certified Librarian...

I received my New York State Public Librarian certificate in the mail today. I was so excited to bring it to work (along with my diploma and other official piece of paper work) and show everyone that I am officially, according to New York State, a public librarian -- Everyone was super happy for me.

Now all I have to do is take a couple of more classes for CEUs and apply for the Librarian I civil service exam. That way I can finally become an appointed librarian and I can tell "Julia" and "Amy" to go to hell. I can't wait!

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 69...


I'm seriously thinking of buying this sweet car.

Update: They want $11,000 for this 1964 VW Beetle, so I obviously ain't getting it.

May 10, 2011

Stalker #4...

When I waiting for the elevator after I had punched back in from my dinner break "Stalker #4" spotted me and started blowing kisses at me. He started yelling across the library asking me how I was and that he hoped I was having a good day. Why?! Why do creepers love me?!

Library Articles...

Library Funding Ups Student Scores
Library Layoffs & Cuts Proposed in New York City
2,500 Missing Library Books Shelved Under ‘Mystery’
Colorado Librarian Offered Seattle Library System's Top Job
Councilman's Plan to Save Libraries Cuts

Crazy Page...

Within five minutes of walking into work this afternoon I witnessed one of the Pages from the Adult Department ("Crazy Page") have a freak attack. She ran behind the Circulation Desk screaming about books coming from everywhere. She was panting and she looked like she was about to cry as she told us about all of the books that she has to put away and how she found a full cart of books hidden in the stacks. She was flipping and everyone in the library was staring at her. One of the Clerks walked with her into the back to see what was wrong and helped her shelve.

Apparently the other day something similar happened and she was throwing the books all over the place and beating them. One of the Clerks had to tell her she couldn't do that because she was afraid a patron would call the police on her or something. I swear my library is like the Island of Misfit Toys.

Library Articles...

UK Libraries Remove Foreign Language Newspapers
Library of Congress Unveils National Jukebox

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 68...

Librarians & Music...

Today while I was driving around blasting my music (I was listening to Rage Against the Machine getting dirty looks from people) before work I started to think about what kinda of music other librarians listen to, so I decided to start a little poll.

Librarians, What Kind Of Music Do You Listen To?


If you picked "Other" please type in your answer as a comment.

May 9, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 67...

Virtual Library Legislative Day...

Virtual Library Legislative Day is part of the American Library Association’s (ALA) National Library Legislative Day on May 10, when hundreds of library advocates will descend on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staffs. Library advocates who cannot make it to Capitol Hill for the event can still be a part of the effort by calling and/or e-mailing their elected officials on May 10 – or any time the week of May 9-13.

The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF), the ALA Washington Office, ALA Chapter Relations, and the ALA Office for Library Advocacy will lead Virtual Library Legislative Day, an opportunity for all library advocates to make their voices heard on a national level.

ALTAFF Executive Director Sally Gardner Reed encourages all advocates to take part in this united effort to ensure America’s libraries can continue to serve the public. “If citizens who care for libraries remain silent, it’s the same as saying they are okay with low budgets and closed libraries,” Reed said. “The only way for us to make a difference is to make our voices heard.”

So the trip to Washington isn’t in your budget? No problem! By calling and/or e-mailing your elected officials in Washington and asking them to vote for libraries, you can make a difference. Just five minutes of your time will help support and strengthen the efforts of the library supporters in Washington rallying on May 10. If you cannot call or e-mail your elected official on May 10, please do so sometime between May 9-13.

  • RSVP on Facebook and share the event with your friends! Encourage everyone to participate. There is strength in numbers and it only takes 5 minutes to show your support!
  • Not sure who to contact? Click here to find your elected officials. If you haven't used the Legislative Action Center/Capwiz before to contact your elected officials, check out the video tutorial.

Library Articles...

Libraries' Porn Policy Lets Kids Sneak A Peek
Library Of Congress Exhibits Gay Rights History
Library Of Congress Builds The Record Collection Of The Century

May 8, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 66...

Weeding Non-Fiction...

I found these beauties on the shelves the other day while I was weeding.
My personal favorite is "In Control: Learning to Say No to Sexual Preasure" because the chick in the picture has some sick nails.

May 7, 2011

Library Vocabulary...


365 Days Of Pictures: Day 65...

Free Comic Book Day Reminder...

Remember that today is Free Comic Book Day! Go pick up your free comic!

Library Articles...

Libraries Get Noisy Over Cuts
Detroit Residents Speak Out On Library Branch Closures

May 6, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 64...


Obviously I didn't take this picture, but I don't care. This is the picture of the day!

Pomp & Circumstance...

After spending two and a half years working on my Masters of Library & Information Science I finally got to walk in graduation -- Yeah, I know it's weird that my university decided to hold commencement on a Friday.

Graduation started at 11:30am this morning and ended around 3:00pm -- This was the academic procession, conferring of degrees, recessional and the recognition reception, plus a random break between the recessional and recognition reception where the MLIS graduates were wandering around because we were told to do a million different things and everyone was confused.

To be honest with everyone, this was the least organized event of it's kinda that I've ever been to. In addition to being unorganized, it was just odd -- We had no speaker, everything seemed to take forever and once the recognition reception rolled around everything became really informal. The highlight of the whole ceremony was the fact that Idina Menzal sang -- I love her, so I got a kick out of this.

Honorary Degree Recipients
  • David Sean Ferriero
  • Michael John Sandel
  • Idina Menzel
After all of the pomp and circumstance we took a bunch of pictures and my parents took everyone out to dinner -- Aside from my family, Justin, Erin, Phil and one of my college friends attend. We all ate lots of seafood and had a wonderful dinner.

All in all, it was a really good day.

May 5, 2011

Free Comic Book Day...

In case any of you didn't know this upcoming Saturday (May 7th, 2011) is Free Comic Book Day. So if you enjoy comics, go to your local comic book store and pick one out for free.

About Free Comic Book Day:
Free Comic Book Day is a single day - the first Saturday in May each year - when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores.

*Check with your local shop for their participation and rules.

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 63...

Library Articles...

Tornados Rip Apart Several Libraries In The South
Laura Bush To Announce Library Grants
Bomb Squad Blows Up Suspicious Device At Library

May 4, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 62...

"Marie" To Rescue...

When "Marie" found out about "Julia" confronting me about not ordering her lunch she was pissed. She went up to "Julia" and told her flat out that she had no right to come up to me like she did and that if she was mad she should have been mad at all three of us because no one thought of her. After getting put in her place she apologized to me for being bitch. It was glorious and I love "Marie" so much.

Caliber Of Service...


"Rhymes With Orange" by Hilary B. Price (February 22nd, 2010)

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind...

Okay, I'm pissed. It's raining out so I suggest to "Amy" and "Marie" that we order in food. They agreed that we should and I ordered what everyone wanted. This was all agreed upon while "Julia" was on her break, so I wasn't thinking about her -- Out of sight, out of mind. Five minutes ago "Julia" walks up to me after I ask everyone how much change they want back and she starts telling me I hurt her feelings blah blah blah... I don't know what she expected of me because I flat out told her that if she wanted something when "Amy" mentioned it to her she should have said something and that I had placed the order over an hour ago. She retorted with how could she have known I had placed the order blah blah blah... I just looked at her and told her I am never asking anyone to order anything ever again because I don't wanna listen to her complain about stupid crap. I really hate her.

Sexy Librarian...

While I was searching for library articles to post I stumbled across a review for a musical by Joking Envelope called Sexy Librarian: File Under Rock Musical. Obviously I think the idea of a musical about a librarian is awesome and I wanted to share it because I know if I live in Minneapolis I'd totally go see it.



Synopsis From Joking Envelope:

A meek librarian lives in quiet frustration until she finds an ancient tome with a horrible spell and transforms herself into a beautiful monster. Whip off your glasses and shake out your hair for this stereotype smashing twist on the classic Jekyll and Hyde tale. A rock musical about fantasy, obsession, appearance, and rockin’ the bookmobile after hours. Featuring a live band, original music and some of the top comic actors in the Twin Cities.

Here is a link to their press release for those of you interested.

Library Articles...

Edison Children Compete in Spelling Bee To Help Libraries
Caroline Kennedy To Open New JFK Library Wing
Sexy Librarian At Minneapolis Theatre Garage
Alabama Libraries Report Heavy Damage From Recent Storms

May 2, 2011

BookExpo Booth Worker...

Today I got a phone call from my cousin that does public relations asking me if I wanted to work a children's book author's booth at BookExpo America. I was driving so I didn't get all of the information, she said she is going to send me an e-mail with all of the information and I have to let her know if I wanna skip out on work at the library for three days (Well two because I'm supposed to go on Thursday May 26th) or if I'll pass on the offer. I'll let you know what I decide tomorrow.

First Full Day Back...

Today was my first full day back at work and it was slow because we don't have any programs for the next two weeks due to the fact that the local high school kids are taking their AP exams. This is actually one of our favorite times of the year because we have a peaceful existence for a nice chunk of time -- Sometimes you need a break from all of the toddler programs. The only thing that is really annoying about it is having to constantly be on peoples' asses about how loud their children are and reminding them that the teens are taking tests. I look forward to the rest of my hopefully peaceful week.

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 60...

Mini Rant: Graduation...

I swear "Julia" is one of the nosiest and stupidest people that I have ever met. I am sitting at my desk talking with "Amy" about my upcoming graduation ceremony and "Julia" decides to chime in -- No one was talking to her. She starts stuttering, asking when it is and talking about when she graduated a million years ago like I care. It says in big letter on our weekly schedule that I'm graduating on Friday, she has had this schedule since the beginning of last week. Stupid bitch.

May 1, 2011

365 Days Of Pictures: Day 59...

Sunday Funday...

Today was my first day back at work since I went on bereavement leave and it was so slow, but I got to work with my Department Head who just confirmed how awesome I am and how boring the library is with out me -- She totally missed me.

After work I met up with Erin and Maria, who were walking their dogs. We ended up walking to one of our other friend's houses and getting drunk -- This is not how I typically spend my Sundays, but apparently it is how my new friends roll. We spent a couple of hours there and then we ended up going to one of the local bars where they continued to drink while I watched them. Eventually Erin and I got bored of them and left.

All in all, I'd say it was a good Sunday.

Choose Privacy Week...

Choose Privacy Week
May 1st - May 7th

About Privacy Week
From Privacy Revolution:

Choose Privacy Week is an initiative that invites library users into a national conversation about privacy rights in a digital age. The campaign gives libraries the tools they need to educate and engage users, and gives citizens the resources to think critically and make more informed choices about their privacy.

The American Library Association (ALA) has developed a variety of resources to help libraries reach out to their communities. We hope you will explore this site to learn more about what your community can do to spark thought and discussion around privacy issues today. Whether you are considering creating a display, sponsoring a contest, hosting a program or workshop, or moderating a community dialogue about privacy, we have tools that can help!

Wondering where to start? Check out some of our materials for libraries here.

Library Articles...

The Secret Life Of Libraries
L.A. Central Library Fire 25 Years Later
Area Library Patrons Celebrate Wedding Of Prince William & Kate Middleton