Give thanks for librarians
If I were listing literary things to be thankful for, librarians would be at the top. They provide serene places to read, book recommendations and unfailingly helpful advice whenever I ask a dopey question.
Plus, their business-like demeanor hides a playful side, as you can see from the winner of the 2009 "Pimp My Bookcart" contest. Harlem High School turned its advanced welding class loose on a '70s-era ice cream cart, which includes pedals, steering, handbrake, umbrella, and even a working bell. Other features: a flower cup, peace signs and spokes laced with playing cards.
For more laughing librarians, check out this YouTube video of the winner of the American Library Association's book cart drill team competition. Really.
Comments
I am in awe of, and very grateful to, librarians. They are always helpful to me as a reader of course. But for me as an author too. I live in Westchester, NY; the Westchester Library System is a vast resource, and local librarians make sure that my work is announced to all the libraries in the system. It's a huge market. I can also report that many librarians are fantastic bakers. At the library programs I've participated in, refreshments are always provided. Often these are home-baked cookies and other goodies provided by the librarians.
In these rough economic times, librarians have more and more work, and the ones I've observed do it with skill, energy, and grace. I can't think of another place where the unemployed can go and get job resource information along with books, programs, and DVDs for free entertainment. And often, even a cookie or two as well!
Posted by: Gail Farrelly | November 27, 2009 5:08 PM