It has been called to my attention—and I am deliberately using the passive voice here—that I neglected to explain how I became a volunteer at the library. This is really Mac’s story, but I will tell part of it. My husband Mac was asked to serve on a local nonprofit board. He was referred to a librarian for more information about the responsibilities involved. When he expressed more interest in volunteering at the library, instead of the nonprofit, he was quickly invited to serve on the library board. (This would be a counter-example to the infamous “island time” at which most things operate here.)
But, being Mac, he said he would rather work his way through the ranks, volunteering at the library itself before joining the board. The fact that a big capital campaign is on the horizon had nothing to do with this decision. Mac was invited to the annual volunteer holiday party, even though he had only received one or two sessions of training. His work is much more involved than simple shelf reading. He checks books in—more complicated than you might think, since he has to see if there are any holds or fines associated with the books. He has to note any damage. You would be surprised how many books have coffee stains (well, not so surprising) or appear to have fallen into the bathtub (a bit more surprising). He also gets first dibs on any DVDs or books that are returned, unless they have holds (see above) or a real librarian grabs them first. He also shelves books—also more byzantine, especially when you get into the children’s section. There’s J (Juvenile) which is a different section from E (Easy Fiction) which differs from BR (Beginning Reader) and so on. And this does not even address YA (Young Adult) and its subsections. Thus the need for his eight hours of supervised training over a period of four weeks, which, among other things, required alphabetizing all the Berenstain Bear books—two linear feet of picture books. (Dr. Seuss has his own set of shelves.) Since most volunteers hate shelving the Juvenile books, Mac may well end up King of the Picture Books. My own aspirations were far more humble. Plus, I wanted to go with him to the holiday party. All that was needed was a gift for the white elephant exchange and a commitment to volunteer. I was in! I haven’t looked back once.
David Wight
4/5/2020 02:46:58 pm
I've enjoyed learning about the unique world that opens up from being a shelf reader--including life along the bottom shelf. Glad to know there's more (or Moore) to tell during the times of Covid-19 and library closures.
Rebecca Moore
4/5/2020 05:58:23 pm
Glad you liked what's gone up so far. Not sure how many more I can do, what with the library closed :( Comments are closed.
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Author Rebecca Moore is Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at San Diego State University. She is currently Reviews Editor for Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions and Co-Director of The Jonestown Institute. Archives
December 2021
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