An Impromptu Poetry Reading

While I certainly am missing working, there are a few things that I must say I do not miss. Having spent four years working in a library (I know, me in a library. It's ironic huh?), I had the experience of coming in contact with some of the most...interesting people. 

First, the setup. I worked the front desk of the library. Checking in/out books, answering the phones, sending faxes, managing the other workers. Always inappropriately dressed for a library setting (I once received an email from my supervisor saying I was showing too much cleavage at the desk. When I asked her about this we had a good laugh as it was meant for a fellow female worker. Although it was technically true...I tend to wear my shirts unbuttoned as low as I can get away with. I blame it on Tom Ford. But I digress.) . Basically, I was the Joan Holloway of the library. Complete with bitchiness. I'm embarrassed to admit at times I kind of loved my job. 

What I didn't love however, were some of the patrons we had walk through that door. There was the militant lesbian professor who talked at the top of her lungs (no one ever seemed to realize we were in a library. That means quiet.) and allowed her child to run around and climb up on the book carts. An accident just waiting to happen. Then there was a fellow worker who would spin around in her chair until she was dizzy and saw butterflies flying around her. 

But my favorite (?) story involves a woman we'll call Sleepy. Sleepy earned this little nickname due to her frazzled appearance, often looking like she had just rolled out of bed and was at risk of falling asleep at any given time. One day she marched in while I was reading a book of Shakespearean sonnets for class. 

"Oh the sonnets!" she moaned theatrically. "Which one is your favorite? Can't you just die for them?"

Blink. At this point, I should mention I am not a fan of Shakespeare. I can appreciate his influence and what he brought to the table, but apart from Othello and Macbeth, I am not a fan.  So no, I could not just die for them. I quickly explained that I was just starting the book and I was unable to choose a favorite until I studied them all.

"May I....see the book? Just for a minute?"

"Sure...I guess..." I handed over the book and answered an incoming call. Sleepy handed the book back after a moment with a "Thank you." I smiled and returned to my work. Sleepy turned to what I assumed to depart but I was dead wrong. Instead she took two steps away from the desk and then began in a booming voice "Take all my loves! My love! Yea! Take them all!"

I looked up mortified. This woman was actually performing sonnet no. 40. In my place of business. Drawing attention. Yelling. In a library.  There was really nothing I could do but allow her to finish (with a bow no less!) and leave her to scamper off.

This is one thing I most definitely do not miss about work. 

--JW