Recently, I have had the good fortune to spend some time in high school libraries. My, have they changed, and for the better. Most look like mini Barnes and Nobles with coffee bars and plush chairs and sofas. It is so refreshing to see students actually using the library resources and enjoying them.
My memories of school libraries are not so positive. When I was in junior high (that in itself dates me since most are now middle schools) I was a “student library assistant” which meant I got the unenviable task of putting books back in their proper shelving assignment, all the while not being able to talk to any of my friends. Nobody was allowed to talk. At the time I thought the librarian was probably a mute because all that ever came from her pursed lips was a SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Of course, for added emphasis she put her index finger to those ruby red, wrinkled lips and left it there until the last of the shhhhh was complete. This went on the entire class period, and I am positive all day long. If a student so much as whispered he got “the look.”
She looked like the quintessential librarian of the 60’s—prim, proper, white hair in a bun, wearing a shirtwaist dress and patent-leather pumps (AKA shoes). She must have had a miserable life, because not once did I ever see the lady smile. She didn’t like me very much, and it showed. I didn’t like her very much, and it showed.
Part of the trouble was that she didn’t get to “pick” me. My mother was a science teacher at the school and had been for a couple of decades so she had a little advantage in planning my schedule, and I needed another elective. I certainly didn’t want P.E. I already had to lead the calisthenics because otherwise the gym teacher would catch me goofing off. This way if I were up front, she could watch me every step of the jumping jacks way! I hated exercise, and that hasn’t changed one bit in these years since. When some of my friends here on the island started going to the gym at 6:30 in the morning, I told them I wouldn’t join them if it added five years to my life!!! That’s how much I hate exercise.
Anyway, I became the second period assistant which meant that there were a lot of books to shelve from the early morning returns. What I liked least about the library was the Dewey Decimal System. You see, I am very global and I find any “system” confining and regimented. I mean, why not put the books by novels or something easy. If kids want them bad enough they will find them. Besides that makes it more a game, and games for junior high kids are fun.
Looking back, I am certain I probably restocked the shelves a little haphazardly and a little in my own fashion, but forty years later, who notices? Libraries have now changed to be more my style. I still like to read, and I still like to talk. The books on the shelf next to my desk are in no logical order, but I find them just fine. Soon, I will add another one—Keeping Faith. Now where should I place it??