Some Days are Hard

This morning I slept in. Most mornings I wake up pretty positive. This morning seemed like an average morning. 

However as the day went on I grew more and more, not negative exactly, but down.

One of the things I had committed to today was working the community dinner. Each week during the winter a different organization hosts the dinner. This week it was the Community Team's turn. The library is one of many members of the team.

I had assumed I would either be serving or cleaning up tables. As the day went on the less and less I wanted to interact with the public. I just wasn't up to the endless "when is the library moving?", "is the library done yet?", and so on. I've tried really hard to be positive but it has been 4 1/2 years. I've been the boss for the last 1 1/4 years. At this point I'm tired of not having any move date. I'm tired of trying to be positive to the public. I'm just tired.

So tonight I volunteered to work the dish pit. I actually like doing dishes so I found it very enjoyable. Doing dishes is straight forward. You have a plan and can just focus on getting things done.

Tomorrow I'll go back to being positive.

Meandering Thoughts

After 12 years of evenings and weekends, I have started a new job that starts early in the morning 5 days a week. If it weren't for the fact that I have been working 8, 9, 10 hour days over the last few weeks I don't know if the change would have been this easy. Working all those hours messed up my body clock so bad that the shift to longer day shifts is going to be easy ( I think). 

The first week of the new job has gone well. Of course having 3 days of it focused on a book fair that set a new sales record for us could account for that. This next week has Remebrance Day in it and 2 days of Health and Safety training. I'm hoping that the week after that will be an example of a "typical" week for this job. I'd really like to have one of those.

Terrible weather is on its way here and I should get prepared. Or I could finish the laundry and read a book. Yeah, that's what I'll do. ;-)

What will the future bring?

Change happens. It can happen gradually or suddenly. Sometimes it affects things you thought would be forever. 

A friend will be moving out of province after 30 years in this community. Her job was eliminated and there isn't anything comparable available in town. ( one of the down sides of a small town) She arrange my first date with the man I eventually married. She babysat my kids and spent many Halloweens at my house handing out candy so we could take the boys out. We may have drifted apart over the years but we'd recently starting to meet regularly for coffee or breakfast. So many of our friends have moved away over the years it's been great to sit down with someone who has known you for a long time. It's going to be hard when she leaves. 

Change has also hit work. My boss has decided to retire. I'm excited for her. She be able to spend more time with her grand kids and doing other things she hasn't had time for. It also means she will not be around for the eventual move into the new library and cultural centre. So much has gone wrong with the project that I'm sure she's  happy to have it off her plate. Of course her departure means changes for the rest of us. The board meets this week to decide what they want to do.

Changes

We Are In!

After a month of stress the library is finally in its temporary location. Like all moves we are now in the "where did ___ get put?" stage. As the first week ended we were getting used to how the space worked. Probably the hardest part for me has been the difference in how sound travels. In the old library sound travelled well. You could be on another floor and still hear someone come in. In the new space sound travels REALLY well from the arena (we're under the arena bleachers). However sound does NOT travel very within the space. You can literal be standing within a metre or two of someone & not be able to hear them. That along with some awkward site lines from our desk means we need to walk the space more frequently to talk to people & help as needed.
I suppose this will prepare us for the new space ... in 14 to 18 months. :)

Patience

I need some...
Eldest son will be going east to visit relatives for a week then it's back to trying to find an affordable place in Calgary.
The library move has run into a few snags so we'll wait.
And my mother-in-law is in hospital waiting to have surgery on her broken ankle (three places).

If I'm really lucky our new shed will be up before it snows too.

It's going to be a loooong month.

What Happened to August?

I think I'll cut myself some slack since I've been sick for the last few days, but what about the last few weeks?
My boss has recently implemented a chart where we track all events, meetings, exam invigilation, etc. We have to include the date, what it is, attendance if it is an event, length and who attended. She can then print this out for the library board so they have a clearer idea what we are doing and how much time it takes to do.
Of course it's not perfect. It can't take into account the discussions in passing, that can solve a problem or provide a Eureka! moment. With 4 part time staff we each take the lead in different areas and for different events/projects, but the rest are there to help them get it done.
What does that have to do with the last few weeks? If it weren't for that chart I may have forgotten there were summer reading program wrap-ups, space planning meetings, newsletter preparation, exams and more. Add to that, just getting through the day in a busy tourist town and it's no wonder I finally got sick. (It didn't help that both my sons brought some bug home from work too)
So I'm sitting at home trying to get some paperwork done for work. The job may be part time but occasionally the paperwork is full time. And as we all know, paperwork waits for no man.
Now where is that cough syrup...

Mid Month

The weather is not cooperating. It's been raining so much I'm draining plant pots of excess water. It also means that programs that I usually do outside now have to be done inside. I've been very luck the past 2 years, that I've been able to handle the large numbers I've been getting for the summer reading programs by being outside. This year means having to make our small children's section work for groups of 30 or more.
For the SRP group (1.5 hours every Tuesday afternoon for 8 weeks), numbers plus the odd age distribution I've been getting has meant we have had to get creative. The older kids are often there because they are caring for the younger kids so I couldn't simply move them to another time.
After some discussion with our library summer student, who is helping me with the SRP, and the kids, we decided to keep everyone together for the beginning (prize draws, info etc.) and the end. When we split up for activities we split into 3 groups instead of 2. The older kids do a book talk on what they are reading at the moment, then they do an open ended craft. I put a variety of items in a box and they can use them however they want to.
There are enough younger kids to make it practical to break them into 2 groups when doing activities. There is a game and a craft (more structured than the older kids) with 1/2 doing each then we switch. Thank heavens my teen volunteer of the last few years has come back. She is very good with the youngest kids which allows me to oversee the mid age group.
For the Summer Fun group (local care program that comes to the library once a week for 45 minutes) the weather has meant too much time inside and in close quarters. If we need to be inside they have to come in 2 groups, on after the other. This is making planning stuff more difficult, as we're used to doing everything as one big group.
All this wet weather has really illustrated the need for more programming space. Something we'll have to keep in mind as we're designing the library expansion.

Lots to think about

In the last week I've had a video conference on new books for children, teens and adults, our provincial library conference, an online library unconference and the Federal Election.
My brain is swirling.
Time for some reflection and thoughts on what all of this really means to me.

Slow Pace

The Library Renovation and Expansion project is slowly moving ahead. We have conceptual drawings that have to go before the public for input. We have some things to go through with Parks and we'll have to go through the steps to get approval from FHBRO too. Then it can go back to council for final approval.
While this is going on we need to find a place for the library to relocate for the duration of the renovation and expansion. We know we'll have to store a lot of stuff. Once everything has been given the go ahead then we can panic, I mean plan. With a full inventory and weeding coming up we should have less to pack, store/move.
I'm going to have to do some serious thinning of my craft and programming stuff. The thought gives me a headache :-(
But in the end it will be short term pain for long term gain.
We can do this!

Down

Maybe the grey weather has something to do with it.
Maybe I'm just due for a break.
I'm feeling disconnected.

Haven't spoken to my best friend in weeks (she lives far away). When I did catch her at home she was just welcoming visitors so we couldn't talk.
My local friends are in a different place in their lives (new jobs, young children etc.) and we don't spend time together very often.
There is drama going on that is affecting work but no one tells me anything because they assume I'm hearing things from "the other side". Or they're making assumptions about my allegiances, which I don't have because I don't know what is going on. (nothing worse than having a conversation with someone who assumes you have the details when you don't even have the broad outline)
I have no idea what's happening with the library expansion, partially because I'm not often around when the boss is around. (Really makes me feel out of the loop)

My youngest son is making all these plans for grad, but I'm not sure he's going to get through the courses.

I have all these feelings sitting in a pit in my stomach but no way to deal with them. I need to get them out or at least find a way to deal with the stress.

Aching Shoulders...

Year end report is finally done. I wish I had finished writing before I did all that shovelling. My arms hurt :(

Small Town Libraries

What a busy night it was. Wednesdays are the days our inter library loans come in. We're averaging 10 cases a week and it can take a while to unpack and process them. The regulars start coming in about 4:30/5pm, before I've even got things unpacked.
Tonight I realized how satisfying it can be to know who something is for even before you scan it. Being able pull stuff off the shelf before people can ask for their items always gets a smile. Saying hi and knowing a person's name makes me feel good.
I am very luck to have the job I do. Not only do I get to connect with a wide range of people, but I also hear what's happening in town, the good, the bad & the ugly.
Another good thing about my job is the lack of boredom. Since we are a small staff we all have to be able to do what ever needs to be done. Sure we have a general division of responsibilities but any one of us might have to finish something that we don't regularily do. And there is always a "mystery of the day". Something that makes you shake your head and spend time trying to find out what happened, where it is, or who did it.
Being helpful can be quite rewarding.

The Library

The last few weeks have been quite busy at work. Several programs have started and several events are coming up. I don't think we, the public, give enough credit to the number of people and the amount to time they spend on preparing programs and events for us. If it weren't for our programming partners and our dedicated volunteers the library wouldn't be able to offer the amount of things it does.

In the last week alone:

• Friends of the Library worked a casino fundraiser for our expansion
• Parent Link has helped the library offer a toddler & preschool story time, 
• the local chapter of the Alberta francophone association has helped the library with a french language story time for preschoolers
• the local Arts council has helped promote a series of NFB screenings
• Community Outreach has partnered with me to hold Teen Lunch Club every Tuesday during lunch for the next 14 weeks
• our regular volunteers have returned (most of our volunteers take the summer off to work or vacation) and new ones have signed up
• the Annual Halloween story time is being planned with several young volunteers offering their assistance and a mom offering to make cookies again (I believe this is now 8 years in a row)
• One of my coworkers and Community Outreach have started planning a seniors' event at the library
• the staff are planning training sessions for library month, some in the library, some with local teachers - volunteers will be helping with these
• and planning for the annual Scholastic Book Sale has begun with the local elementary school

I feel very fortunate that we can offer these opportunities to the public. I shudder to think what would happen if we didn't have partners and volunteers.

What I'm listening to today

This Book is Overdue by Marilyn Johnson. It's been a while since I've listened to an audio book and this one has been waiting for me for a while. I'm currently on chapter 5 and enjoying it every much. Marilyn makes reference to so many of the American librarians I follow either by RSS feed or on Twitter. I can't wait to finish it.

Time Away

This past weekend was great! Off to the big city we went.
I spent all day Friday at our regional library's conference. I was amazed at how much great information and practical tips I was able to get out of it. That evening I was able to spend 2 hours in a book store while hubby and eldest son went to the movies. The next day was spent shopping, with a late lunch/visit with my aunt (whom I do not see enough.) Everyone found what they were looking for, which is rarely the case. Since we don't get to the city very often power shopping is the name of the game. It can be rather startling when you add up the amount of money we spend on one of these trips. The grocery bill was huge of course, but we're stocked up for a while now.
As much as I enjoy these crazy trips I am sooo glad to get home. Although I wouldn't mind bringing one of those hotel mattresses home. :-)

Tired

School has started and youngest son is finally set to tackle grade 12. Already I can see where he's going to have to work hard just to get by. He's going to have to get used to putting in many more hours on school work if he wants to be finished in time to qualify to graduate with the class at the local high school.

Eldest son is gradually changing his awake/sleep routine so he is up longer during the day. This is in preparation for the upcoming ski season. He'll need to start getting into better physical condition too if he doesn't want to suffer too many injuries.

Hubby is working hard as usual. Bouncing back and forth from a scheduled job is throwing us all for a loop. I think he is looking forward to a break, just to get some uninterrupted sleep.

As for me it's been training, training and more training lately. I have 4 OverDrive training sessions this month for work. The service allows our local library members to download audio and e books. It's a great service, just a bit clunky in the operation. We've also had some training on the new website platform. I'm almost set to make the website live, just a few more tweeks, depending on what the staff and board say. I have some longer projects for stuff to add but it can wait till after we go live. Story times are starting and I've got to organize my own as well as make sure the others have everything they need.
I've partnered with Community Outreach to run a program at the library for teens. We'll be doing live readings once a week during the lunch hour. The teens bring their lunch and listen and relax while I read. I'm hoping to have a small but dedicated crowd for this one.
I'm looking forward to the YRL conference this week. It will be the first I've attended so I'm hoping to get something out of it.

Every time I look at my calendar there seem to be more things coming up. But it all goes to making things easier down the road. We just have to keep moving.

September

It may not be fall on the calendar but with the start of September, fall is in the air.

This week we've been working out the kinks in youngest son's school schedule. I'll have to go in today and finish paperwork. With a combination of in school classes and distance learning I'm hoping we can work with his need for a consistent schedule and for more time to get things done. Having a moderate reading comprehension problem means having to read and reread things, discuss and discuss again what things mean and what is being asked. It can be very frustrating for him. Reading things out loud helps but he feels this is for 'babies'. We'll be doing it any way. :-/

I've also been working on upcoming programs for kids and teens. Story times will start resuming mid September. The Teen Outreach Worker and I have decided to try some teen programming at lunchtime and after school. The teens around here are busy with sports, clubs, work and family. Trying to connect with them means going to where they are. So we're going to try a weekly read during their lunch break. The school doesn't allow the kids to eat lunch there so many of them go to the Activity Centre and eat from the concession, or bring their lunches and use the big tables. The place is currently being renovated but we are hopeful that we can find a corner to use. They will be able to pick the book I'll read to them, then it will be 1 or 2 chapters each week. The after school program we're thinking of will focus on food (teens are always hungry after school.) We went with after school to try and catch them before they get busy with activities or work. We're hoping to find a spot in the school (home ec room maybe?) were the kids can come, make a snack (nutrition learning), play some games, and just hang out for a while. This will also be once a week to avoid too much conflict with other activities and take up less time for us. I'll be doing this as a volunteer because my work schedule doesn't fit the time slots we're dealing with.

I also have a bunch of tech training to do for Overdrive and for the new website, a conference to attend, a shopping trip to the city to plan and a visit to my aunt to schedule (she is the busiest woman on the planet ;-) ). By then fall will really be here and it will be getting ready for winter time - gardening, home maintenance, Christmas, etc. I'm getting tired just thinking about it.

Perhaps it really is fall?

I'm feeling old

Working in a public library means you remain aware of the school calendar. As the kids, teens and parents get ready for the start of a new school year you begin getting questions about grade level reading materials, study guides and homework assistance. The demands on kids to perform and the competition among parents and teachers to make sure kids are performing is shocking. In a time when our society is recognizing the need for life long learning, why are we sucking all of the fun out of learning for our children?

I'm just wrapping up my summer reading program. The kids that are still with the program are the kids who's parents are looking for their kids to enjoy reading and coming to the library. The kids that dropped out, often dropped out because the parents felt I wasn't being rigorous enough in my demands on the children. 'Where are the required reading lists and homework assignments?' Parents are shocked when I tell them that I'd be happy with their kid spending 15 minutes reading the cereal box, that I don't care what the child read as long as they did read. My goal is to keep the fun in reading for kids who are starting to look at reading as work.

We encourage adults to find jobs/careers that they enjoy, but we don't want our children to enjoy the 12/13 years they spend in school? How does that make sense?

Smoke

The air here is so smoky. All day I've had people ask if there was a fire nearby. To the best of our knowledge all of the smoke is coming from BC. With over 400 fires and the prevailing winds coming from that direction there is a lot of smoke to move. We ended up closing all of the windows at the library it keep the smoke out. Unfortunately that meant the library got hot.
One day, some day in the future, we WILL have a new library with air conditioning. I can't wait :-)

I Need a Clone

Looking at the calendar, it dawned on me that we have been back from vacation for exactly 1 month.

It actually feels more like 4 months and at least a dozen grey hairs.

Busyness came from work:  the annual book sale, the Canada Day parade float that I didn't have to create (many thanks to Janeen and Cassidy) just find children for & ride in, interviewing/training summer staff, planning the summer reading programs for children, and gettting up to speed with TeenRC. Busyness also came from trying to get everything in place for Al to graduate with the local high school kids in June 2011 after 5 years of homeschooling! Topped with the usually busyness of life and I was going in 6 different directions at the same time.

But the end is in sight. The summer reading program has started and I have 2 fantastic helpers. The Garden Tour is the only event left and I don't do too much for that. Al is organized for school, although he'll do some work this summer to wrap up 2 homeschooling courses and get a jump on next year's stuff.  Now we can settle into the summer routine and hopefully relax.

Okay that might have to wait until after I get the dandelions under control. :-)