A quotation I liked from a blog I read frequently. Check out all the library posts.
“Show me a town that denies funding to a library, and I’ll show you a librarian who stays in the office. Show me a town that funds its library, and I’ll show you a librarian who takes donuts down to the fire department. Who goes down to the city hall and goes into offices asking if they need anything. You have to be proactive. It might come as a shock to some of you, but a large part of the success of that library is your personality and the way you treat people.”
Pure Alan Smith there… huge influence on many I bet/hope. thx jessamyn.
Maybe I’m just cranky, but this quote hit me wrong. It sounds a little sexist. I try to do my fair share of outreach but hey, my waitressing days are over (I hope). I think bringing donuts to the firehouse would put librarians in a demeaning, subservient role. I am happy to help with information or research or whatever professional activity it takes. But not schlepping food to “the (mostly) guys”.
PS : I was a waitress and my mom was a waitress. I do not mean to put down the waitressing profession – it’s a good one. (See the book “Counter Culture”) I don’t mind serving people – in a restaurant, for pay and tips. But not the way the quote implied.
For some stunning news about democracy (or lack thereof) and library closings, see this: http://www.candgnews.com/news/council-won’t-touch-1-year-tax-hike-keep-library-open
The library director sent a message out on 2/22 that the Troy (Mich) Library will close on 5/15.