Liankacreations

  Journaling 7* When you’ve worked in the same library branch long enough, you start recognizing patrons as soon as they walk in. Since I don’t see well from far away, I often recognize people by their figure, posture, or even their smell. You might not believe it—or maybe you would—but some people come in with a very strong smell of alcohol. There was one pair in particular, a mother and her son, who always carried that strong scent. I especially remember the son. He visited the library for several days in a row about a year ago . I remembered him because once he said, “Every time I get out of prison, I go to the library.” I couldn’t stop smiling that day; he just made my day. So here he was again, this time with his mother. She checked out a book, and then they left, leaving the strong smell of alcohol lingering in the building.

  If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, “Where are you from?” — well, I could probably buy a nice little shelf of new books for the library. But time changed, and I changed with it. Before, I would’ve answered right away. Now, I’m more cautious — sometimes even a bit playful — and ask back, “Why?”. Recently, a gentleman on the phone told me that his question (about the accent) was a compliment. “Oh, well… I’m from Russia,” I said. But in my head I thought, Come on, dude, from what planet are you? I’ve been living in the New Bedford area for almost 12 years. I’ve been working at the library for nearly 10 years. And you’ve never heard of the Russian librarian? (Well, technically I am not a real librarian, just a library assistant, but a good one). Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of Russians here. All are good people with families, friends, and jobs. But somehow it feels like I’m the one who’s most “publicly present.”  Working at the library, I meet so many pe...

  Tuesday (Nov, 21) evening, a woman, a regular visitor, called the library. And she said, “Oh, I am glad that it's you!". The phrase I managed to say into the phone was: “Good evening, Wilks Library.” And the woman recognized me. Well, of course, you can not hear me or not understand me, but it is impossible not to recognize my accent.😅 Especially since I'm the only one in all of New Bedford libraries. And also for the entire library network (SAILS) of our region, which includes 70 libraries. To be honest, at such moments I feel in my place. “Such” minutes are when people know that I will make every effort and use all available databases to help them (most often it's ordering books). Working with books, a love of reading is what many people think about working in a library. In fact, it is customer service (communicating with visitors, the ability to use a PC, knowing how and where to look for information, which means loving Google, the desire to help, not forgetting ...

  It was raining from morning until the evening. Usually there are fewer visitors in the library on such days. And what does that mean? That we can devote more time to those who came. In the morning, one young woman was looking for books about metaphysics, different religions, their connections and origins, as well as tarot cards. I showed her shelves with similar books. And then we started talking. It turned out that she was learning Russian. Why?? I don't know, I didn't ask. But isn't it cool? I remembered how I learned English and how I dreamed of meeting a native speaker. And after all, I met! One day a young woman came into the store where I worked and explained in broken Russian that she needed a jacket. Unfortunately, we couldn't find a jacket for her. But I was On top of the world when I found out she was American.  And out of happiness and excitement, I forgot what to say to get acquainted in English. A few words I could put together were asking for her email....

  I came home from work, was sorting my bag and dropped the pliers. My husband was laughing, “should I buy a set of tools for your next birthday?” And continued: you will have your own drill, etc… Well,  My manager has a drill. We used it just a day before. We are very handy here in the library, LOL. But look what we had done in the end. 8 ladies left the library with beautiful seashell decor.  I am proud of them.  This experience was also useful for me - I practiced my English.

  -What is that?- asked Catherine passing by a tripod -Tripod -Why? Good question. Why do we need the tripod in the library? - I video recorded my reading. -Wow! I feel “Wow!” myself. I did it again. A Middle aged Russian woman, living 7 years in the US, never studied English at the University, speaks with a noticeable accent, reads children’s books in English, and records them on the phone.  How did it happen? It’s all Covid-19 and the pandemic’s fault. If Covid-19 hadn’t stormed in our lives, I probably would have continued giving my knitting classes and/or could have made a couple of programs about Russian favorite food.  In the meantime, I tempt the patience of children and their parents by reading children's books. I try to be nice, so I limit time showing my face in the video.  I sent the recording to the manager of the children’s department of the NB library. She decides when to post it on the FB Library page. By the way, today I was reading a book “Life is ab...

  Yesterday in the library, a little girl asked me what is my favorite book? What? What would you say? I tried to think fast.. The book must be in English. And in her age category, which was 6-7 years old? I tried to think fast.. The first book that came to my mind was The Alchemist (by Paulo Coelho). But the girl was too young for that. I was hoping that at least the girl's mother might be familiar with this book. And then I mentioned the book about The Ugly Duckling. Here, mom reminded her daughter what this story was about. The girl said that in fact they have a book in the house. We said goodbye, smiling at each other. The next customer (we call them patrons) made me forget about it until the next morning. When I could think and analyze what happened and draw a conclusion. Despite the fact that I read a lot in English, I do not remember many titles and names of authors. I should probably make a list of the books I've read. But what to do about it? Add a couple of notes, hig...