Don’t Ever Change

 

I’m not always great with change.  I once devoted an entire post to my dismay at the new layout at Target. Some say this is a symptom of age. Honestly, I’ve always been this way. I need to work at being flexible.

So, when I walked into the East Columbia branch to pick up my most recent hold I felt a moment of disorientation. Where was my book? Where were all the holds waiting for pick up?

Gone. In their place was the display of new books which had always been there before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Back then all the holds were stored behind the desk and you had to go ask for them.)

Oh, okay. That makes sense. 

Where’s my book, then?

There must have been a sign because I easily found the new location: past the circulation desk, turn left. There they are. Easy-peasy.

I found my book and started digging around in my purse for my library card. I put down my book for a moment. Wait, what’s this table all about? Was it a supply table for library employees working on a project?

It took me a minute. Could these possibly be things that the library thinks that patrons might need while working there? Is this a handy dandy “we are anticipating your needs” table?

Wow. They’re good, those library people.

My gaze wanderered upwards. There was a map.

It’s the emergency exit plan showing a map of the library and all the available exits. Oh, that’s useful information.

Right above the map?

You can learn a lot from a trip to the library. 

• There’s a new location for the self-serve hold shelf. 
• The new book selection is back where it used to be, right as you walk in to the library.
• There’s a handy dandy supply table for things you might need.
• I now know where the emergency exit plan and fire alarm are located.

I don’t know if there was any concerted strategic plan to gather all those things into one location but their existence was not lost on me. 

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m headed back to kindergarten.

I love you, East Columbia Branch library. Don’t ever change.

Well, only if you need to. And leave me a sign, okay?

Village Green/Town² Comments