When we first began blogging several years ago we all got to kick around some ideas for how we wanted our blogs to look and the names we wanted to use on line. As all my choices proved to be technically impossible, including putting a trench coat on and a bag over my head and being Miss Terious, out of complete frustration I became the Stereotypical Librarian.
Stereotypes can be useful in that they quickly help other people see you as a role and not as an individual at all. I do fit quite nicely into the stereotype if you happen to think of librarians as old maids with cats and comfortable shoes. Truthfully I’m not a librarian at all as you have to have a Masters degree in specific fields of study in order to be a librarian. Luckily I’m allowed to work at a public library.
A book I just read titled The Library at the edge of the world by Felicity Hayes-McCoy tells about Local librarian Hanna Casey as she is driving her mobile library van along the Irish coast through Finfarran’s farms and villages, trying to help her patrons as she figures out her own complicated life. The rural setting of this story is visually beautiful but it highlights the sacrifices one has to make in order to live there. The characters are interesting and quirky and perhaps some light will shine on the stereotypes of the library world. It is a good read that I think you will enjoy.
A BBC television series the library just received is being human a show about a vampire, werewolf, and ghost trying their best to fit into today’s society. It makes you wonder who the monster is. Is it the stereotypical vampire, ghost, or werewolf? Or is it the humans who want them gone. The DVD series asks the question when you look into a mirror what do you see? Do I see a monster that hasn’t got a shred of sympathy for anyone? No, but I’ve been told that I turn into a werewolf and rip and tear others feelings. Is it true that the way we are is not the way we see ourselves but how others see us? If it is true you might not see or hear me anymore as I’m trying to change into a ghost. According to being human a ghost has to wear the clothes they have on when they die for all eternity. This is where the comfortable shoes come in handy as I continue to haunt this place.
If you are just hanging on by a thread waiting for the thaw try reading Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck’s book Winter of our Discontent. Ethan Hawley is dissatisfied with how his life is turning out if you have ever felt like that this book could open your eyes to things you shouldn’t try. May the words of this Garth Brooks song bring you comfort during this trying time.
Well I don’t mean to be complainin’ Lord
You’ve always seen me through
And I know you got your reasons
For each and every thing you do
But tonight outside my window
There’s a lonesome mournful sound
And I just can’t keep from thinkin’
‘Bout the ones the wolves pull down
Oh Lord keep me from bein’
The one the wolves pull down
