Library
If any of you have been in a public library in the past decade or two, you may have noticed a few changes, particularly in the staff. When I was very young, librarians were extremely prim and proper looking middle-aged ladies dressed in below the knee skirts, button up blouses, pumps, and wore without exception their ever present reading glasses on a chain around their necks. As a matter of fact, at that point in time I seriously doubt you could have gotten the job if you did not match that description, but on a recent trip to one of my local libraries, I looked around and realized that all of that had changed - drastically.
Between the activity at the computer terminals, the children’s playroom, and the patrons milling about the shelves and asking questions, the place wasn’t nearly as quiet as it once was; and there was virtually no sign of the prim librarians of my youth. The transition had been so gradual that I hadn’t really taken notice. Now the change was undeniable.
I took all of this in as I approached the checkout desk where I was promptly met by a courteous gentleman who bore distinct resemblance to Gene Wilder. He asked what he could do for me, I explained that I needed help with some digital media issues. He said that I would need to talk to Tanya about that, and that she would be in on Wednesday at 1 o’clock.
The following Wednesday I arrived at one and asked for Tanya. She was summoned from one of the back offices, and the woman who appeared before me was not at all what I was expecting. She had obviously not received the matronly librarian dress code memo. She had a fancy hairdo, make up, dangly earrings, and was dressed in jeans and a form fitted shirt - no reading glasses. She looked all of about 18 or 19 years old, but I’ll tell you what, she knew her stuff. She had me squared away in no time.
So for all of you technologically challenged individuals – fear not. Help awaits. It’s as close as your neighborhood library. Things may look a little different, but trust me, you will not be disappointed.