October Reading Meeting

October Reading Meeting

Attendees: Ruby, Abby, Mei-Wan

Place: Library Bio Area

Time: Oct. 31, 2012 12 pm

Description:

            The decision of next reading meeting was made today: it would be held on November 28, 2012, 12 pm in the library. And next Tea Time with Librarians would be next Wednesday, November 07, 2012, 12 pm in the library. Members are welcome to bring their goodies to share with their friends.

            Who said being slow is bad? At least, that’s not the case today. Ruby came late but she was the first and only member showed up today. Due to her daughter’s going back to the west coast, Lily, with help from Ruby, sent her apology telling us she was occupied and would miss today’s monthly meeting. Family comes first and we were proud of Lily having such a great family time with her precious princess. Fiona was absent because there is a family in need of her kind heart and caring soul to prepare and deliver food; the family is facing a crisis and fighting a difficult battle. The kindness and generosity given in an untimely, unthinkable crisis reveal a person’s authentication of compassion, wholeheartedness, care, and love. A friend in need is a friend indeed!!

            Though only three members were present there was no moment of being dull, boring, or slow. Opportunity presents itself for those who are well-oiled, properly equipped, and ready to shine. Today was Ruby’s show for not only did she become articulate and talkative she was also able to improvise and play along with the librarians who asked plenty of questions to bring out what’s buried and hidden in everyone’s head, mind, and heart. It’s like a screenplay was composed by the three participants and played right then when the story was still smoking, fresh from the oven made of three women. I looked back and forth of Abby and Ruby as they played the game of calling each other to ask the other person out. It’s a play of genius. I am so proud!

            Summaries of Ruby’s and Abby’s have made me feel ashamed and a bit guilty for I was the only one failed to provide one. Still, being the hostess, I had to share with what I have had to be fair. The book I am reading is about journey of souls. The cases and stories told in the book are about real people and real events taken place in the author’s office for he was a hypnotist with a PhD degree. The mention of the book and some cases in the book changed the topics allowing each of us to share views and points about souls, human beings, and life itself.

            At the meeting I shared what reading means to me. Reading is not just about books. We read events, the changes of seasons, the clouds high in the sky, each passing vehicle driven by a person we might never meet before or again. We read people. We read a person’s body language, her eyes, her outfit; we might read a person’s soul by hearing, feeling, smelling, touching. Reading is not limited by format, form, or shape.   

Reading is about life. As we walk the roads of life, we encounter things visible and unseen. With help of reading we gather information, gain knowledge, cultivate wisdom, grow our mind, and develop our soul. Sincere reading allows us to learn about things, decipher messages delivered by events, and maintain a healthy communication not only with the people around us but also with the Nature.

Did you ever have the experience of communicating with the Nature? It’s not that hard. When someone made your day the sky became so open, borderless, and so, so huge that you felt you could do anything. It’s your heart communicating with the Nature. The good feeling opened you up and invited the fresh and ever changing air of Nature to get into your system. You felt your heart was as huge as the sky above you.

Walk the roads of life, read things around you, and your WOW moment will come as if it is always there waiting for you to “discover.”

Read, read, read!!!

Member's October Read/Abby

Title: Chaperone

Author: Laura Moriarty

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis – Cora Carlisle, a respectable Kansas matron, is hired by the Brooks family to accompany their daughter Louise to New York. The time is the summer of 1922. Louise has been accepted by the Denishawn dance company, a modern dance studio run by Ruth St. Denis and her husband. Cora and Louise don’t really know or respect each other at the time, but off the New York they go. Cora has an additional reason for going that she shares with no one. It seems that she was left at a New York City orphanage at a young age by her unknown parents. Later, she was placed on an Orphan Train and placed with a family in Wichita Kansas. Cora wants to find her birth family. While Louise attends class, Cora looks for her birth family. At the close of the summer, Cora returns to Wichita, while Louise goes to Philadelphia with Ruth St Denis. But this is far from the end of the story, The family that Cora returns to is far from conventional. Louise, of course, becomes the far from conventional silent movie star who torpedoes her own career rather than accept what she considers wrong treatment from Hollywood. Through Cora’s occasional contact with the Brooks family, the reader watches Louise’s progress over the years, and come to realize that Cora is less dull than one, (Louise) might think, and Louise is more conventional than one,(Cora) might think. A very well done portrait of a portion of  twentieth century America.

Abby

Abby’s Impression.- I very much enjoyed this novel. It was a great story about people who don’t get too much exposure in the historical fiction genre. The book was well researched, without being over –researched. Over researching is a pet peeve of mine, so much to the point that when I see someone mention how “well –researched” this book is, that I automatically suspect that the writing and storyline will be somewhat less than spectacular. This is not the case in Chaperone, Here the story takes the lead, and the historical facts are well placed incidentals. Hooray. I do believe this is one of the best books I have read this year. I plan to read Lulu in Hollywood, Louise’s autobiography, soon.

Librarian's words: Today's reading meeting was the very first time I sat in, listened to, and heard what Abby is: no doubt, not only is she the librarian reads the most, she also proves herself a great storyteller. Abby's ability of interpreting a written book into a fascinating told story stole a "WOW" from me though I didn't have the time to tell her so. It's a talent of hers and a gift for the reading club members. 

              The typical impression of Abby is calm, quiet, and womanly complimented by her shiny long hair. Today's Abby is much different. If there is a career change I would bet Abby could be a great teacher for she has the kindness of patience a student would appreciate, a genuine smile inviting and encouraging her students to approach her, and a sincere attitude positively welcome any inquiries, questions, even challenges. I had to sit back to straighten my back to pay my respect and put my nerves and attention at full throttle to hear what she was delivering. 

              Abby, you are not only a great reader, speaker but also a wonderfully beautiful woman. That's what I saw in you today. Thank you, dear Abby.

Member's October Read/Ruby's

Title: The Gecko & Sticky: The Greatest Power
Author: Van Draanen, Wendelin

Ruby's Summary: 

            Do you remember that Damien Black, the villain of this series, was sent to the jail in the previous story? Unfortunately, he was escaped from the prison and become a bank robber with a strange gun. In the bank, Damien Black didn’t just steal sacks of money but also a ring from a woman’s index finger who was lying on the floor beside the boy in the sweatshirt. As what you thought, the boy who had a bright red sweatshirt is Dave. He had bad luck for encountering Damien Black twice.

            Since Dave realized that he couldn’t ask any help from the policemen, he decided to give the money and ring back by “themselves” (Don’t forget the gecko!). Dave clicked the invisibility ingot into the wristband and he disappeared. They went into Damien’s mansion via sewer that beneath the street, and followed the skid marks left behind by Damien’s Sewer Cruiser without catching anybody’s attention. While Dave and Sticky went into the mansion, they found out it’s the tip of the iceberg, there were labyrinthine corridors inside the house. They released a monkey that was caged in an espresso café in the mansion by chance, and they almost would be caught up with Damien, but they escaped again in the end.

            When Dave returned home with his backpack which was stuffed with cash, he worried about how to face his parents. But a cat of his neighbor attacked Dave and it distracted Dave’s mother from asking questions about where he had been. On the other side, Dave took the money away that made Damien so mad, but Damien had very cleverly devised the glasses so that the wearer could spot something that didn’t seem to be there. As Dave took the money to the bank in the invisible way, Damien Black commanded his assistants who wear the magic glasses to snatch Dave, and they did it.

            Finally, the money has turned Damien’s attention to it, and let Dave escape from Damien safely.

Ruby’s highlights:

            The author describes everything so detailed, I can imagine the scenes through her description. The following are two examples Ruby quoted from the book:

            “Opening the cage was, of course, not easy. There were nine locks dangling from each, linked together such that one could not be opened without the previous one being sprung.”

            “Only those who have known freedom and then lost it could truly understand.”

Group Discussion:

Terms/vocabulary Ruby acquired:

                        Previous: instant past

                        Index finger: thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie/little   
                                                finger

                        Encounter: brief contact

                        Labyrinthine: intricate, complicated

                        Snatch: take away

Asked if she would recommend the series to a new member, Ruby said she would. She said the author is adept at detailed, elaborate descriptions so much so the readers can enjoy the story as if a motion picture is playing vividly as pages turned. In addition, Dave, the young boy is acted as if he were a super hero outside his typical, ordinary boyhood. Daytime he is a school boy backpacked and attending the classes. As night replaces the daylight Dave transformed himself into a super hero. The librarian joked: it’s like a story inside a story.
Librarian’s words: Ruby is definitely on the right track for her progress and improvements of language are very obvious by the way she summarized the story. At the group discussion, thanks to Abby, the words picked by Ruby are explained and put into practice as if one is facing a situation and the terms and words are properly utilized. Ruby would like to know more about practical usage of words, phrases, and terms at daily life. So we exercised by pretending she was calling the members asking them out. This is new and fun for every attendee.

The invention of language is for people to properly communicate with each other. Speaking is instant and spontaneous. Reading is the basis and foundation of words applied in a conversation. Writing is like reflection: what a person reads would become hers once the knowledge is thought, processed, and put into work through lips.

Ruby’s progress tells us we are right at the target. Practice, practice, and practice. The WOW moment would come in no time.

Way to go, Ruby!!!

Hey! Don’t Make Me Run

            Had I known I got to chase a lady today I would have had my sneakers on or, better put on a pair of wings on my shoulders. The running itself was not too bad; the weather was so inviting and plenty of people witnessed and might enjoy the scene of a crazy Asian woman running as if her pants were on fire. The line of people waiting for voting was the primary reason I didn't yell to the back of the lady I was chasing. Luck must have been with me today for I was able to catch up with this nice lady before she got into her car. What made I leave my post and run like crazy in front of the public at the parking lot? A caring soul…

            Tuesday is the busiest day of the week; we close on Sundays and Mondays. Today was no exception. The fact that this branch is one of the early voting locations might be the reason for the increase of issuing new library cards. The lady in front of the information counter was asking some resourceful books for her high school child. Chemistry was one of the subjects I failed to succeed as a student. As I typed and fed the catalog to do searches my heart was with that young girl whose project report would be due soon. At a glimpse in between typing and searching I spotted another lady standing and waiting patiently beside the mother I was assisting. Back and forth the conversation went on between me and my patron. Then the lady interrupted. “Sorry, just a quick interrupt. I just want to say ‘Hi’ to you.” After the “bomb drop” the lady left with me sitting there stunned like a fool. Wait, what just happened?

            “Anything else?” I asked the mother but my eyes were on the lady walking outside toward the immense parking lot. “Thank you.” Run, I took off after the lady. The sound made from my necklace hitting my name tag didn’t stop me though it sounded as if a dog merrily chasing a cat or something. “Hey! Don’t make me run like this.” I smiled at the lady who turned her back facing me at hearing me. “Oh, I just want to say ‘Hi’ to you before I leave the library.” “How nice of you thinking of me. Let me give you a hug, at least.” Then I hugged her at the pavement. My head was still on her shoulder as I asked “Are you a tea person?” “What?” “Do you drink tea?” “Yes.” Great! “If you are not in a hurry would you wait here for me; I have some tea bags for you to take home.” “Ok.”

            “All these for me?” “Yes, please take home, savor, and let me know which flavor you like the most. Ok?” “Ok. Thank you.” This nice lady didn’t know how precious and valuable gift she just gave me today comparing to the humble tea bags she took home from me. The stunning sensation and heart touching surprise from her stopping by at the information desk stayed with me the whole day, even right now as I recall what’s happened today at work. A caring soul with a kind heart just came to me today as I was occupied by tasks. Off guard, her words swept me, intruded themselves into the core of my heart, my mind, and my head. Without second thought, I ran after her afraid she might vanish in the wind. Would you run if you were me? Chase in the wind?

            I felt like I was running after happiness, a dream, and a hope. Happiness comes as the recognition of a giving, caring heart is discovered. She is definitely a giver; she spent time waiting in the line just wanting to say ‘Hi’ to me, the librarian. A giver, what else? A dream for I have been dreaming living in a world decorated with caring people who care each other with their hearts. She is a person with a caring soul. A hope that what I have faith in does matter and the work I have been doing would really create values for other people and touch people’s lives. She, as a patron, responded to me with kindness and a friendly gesture.

            Though the running caused my upper torso’s muscles cramping badly for minutes, the feeling of happiness cheered me up. The whole episode was great except one thing: I didn’t know the lady’s name. She might introduce herself telling me her first name the other time. Jennifer gave me a funny face as I told her.

            Well, that gave me an idea. A best friend told me I am full of beans. Beans? Let’s see if one of my beans would work and do the trick for me to remember names. Let’s see.

  

Harmony

 It almost felt like there was a competition going on in the library this morning as the two of us, Lynette, my branch manager, and I, each took a truck of nonfiction items out to shelve. In and out the aisles, I could have a glimpse of Lynette carrying books back and forth to her base, the new black truck the Friends of the library purchased for the branch not too long ago. Then, I spotted something that had my eyes bulge and my heart tremble with surprise and excitement. Really? Were my eyes playing some trick on me; it’s too early for a trick or treat day. To make sure my eyes were still working fine I went back to my cubicle to get my handy camera and off I went on my mission: to catch Lynette doing the same thing that distracted me and warmed my heart.

            I could understand how hard it would be to become a private detective or a clandestine spy for the waiting was really not that fun; I was like a fool waiting for Lynette to do the same thing. I crouched down at the other end of aisle, camera high and ready to catch the best act of Lynette. Yet, Lynette was better than anyone I knew for the moment she spotted me she backed off and disappeared leaving me in awe with my mouth open, whining and complaining. Later she posed for me as she was tired of my complaining.

            The reason for me to stubbornly take picture of Lynette holding books as if she was doing some arms and shoulders exercise was very obviously. A person would become more creative and imaginative if one truly loves her job and enjoys the tasks at hand. The term “One stone two birds” is one of my favorite mottos encouraging me to do things more effectively and efficiently. Working in the public library, one that is always busy and demanding, a person has the precious opportunity to exercise physically, mentally, and spiritually. There are many maneuvers and operations involving movements of hands, arms, shoulders, knees, legs, and feet. If somehow we could do the job well and, at the same time, have our muscles, joints, and ligaments properly toned and stretched, then we don’t have to go to gym to further tire our bodies.

            Working smart allows us to keep in good shape and have our brain exercise on a daily basis. The efficiency of checking in items starts from emptying the chute reserved for overnight book drops. Not to ignore the smallest detail saves us time, energy, and effort. The picture of my coworkers working at the same time, at different tasks, at different areas usually made my day. It’s harmony installed in the library. If everyone knows his/her own role and plays it well, it’s like the work of the Nature: the Sun and the Moon take turns to shine; water flows, wind blows, and creatures roam the earth in the immense of the air. It’s harmony at work.

            Working together with Lynette this morning was an honor and a reminder telling me a silent voice could be as strong as a loud alarm chirping in the early morning hour; it could wake up a desire to make a difference, a wish to come true, or a hope to become someone one admires and respects. How does the Creator supervise and manage the world, the place called Earth? There are, of course, natural rules at work; just like there are policies, regulations, and rules designated for the workplace. Still, there is one thing called “free will” allows us, the human beings, to be creative, curious, and imaginative.

            At work, Lynette manages well; she allows harmony to be sung by each person’s free will. You are the person responsible and accountable for who you are, what you are, and how you do to make effort and contribute to the team you work for. To be balanced is the key factor for the harmony to be circulating not only in the air but also to be flowing in everyone’s hands, head, and heart.

The sight of Lynette holding books high above her shoulders made my day and touched my heart. I am not alone.

Warmth in a Cold Day

            Fatigue didn’t vanish from my body even though I had a good night’s sleep. Debating to see if I should call in I woke up shaking my head telling myself No; it’s not an option. In a hurry, I forgot it’s cold outside; I left home, locked the door, and got into my car without a jacket. Cold and tired, I felt the heaviness inside me as I slowly walked the slight slope toward the staff door. Deep breath, I entered my playground.

            “Mei-Wan, Ruby is here looking for you;” Ruby is one of my reading club members. Abby walked in to tell me I had a visitor. Looking at Abby’s happy face with a beautiful smile I got my first sense of warmth today. Abby’s smile stayed on her young looking face as I struggled to get up from the comfy couch. I wondered what the secret would be to form this beautiful yet a bit mysterious smiley face of Abby’s. Though it’s my lunch break I was really excited and looked forward to seeing Ruby.

            The moment I saw what’s inside the shopping bag I was embraced by a sense of warmth, my second dose of the day. Sincerely, Ruby told me the small green guavas and the yellowish persimmons were sent by her mother from California. Considering and treating me as a friend she would like me to take those tasty fruits home. When she heard that guava is my favorite fruit Ruby told me she will share them with me the next time she gets another delivery from her dear mother. Speechless I found myself short of words to go on the conversation. What a sweet treat from a patron whom I enjoy talking to. She is not a patron anymore. She is Ruby, my friend who reminds me of my early days being a newcomer to this dream land. She is going through the similar stages I have had in the past years. The differences between us are Ruby “discovered” the public library some fifteen years earlier than I did and she got someone to talk to, someone who came from the same background facing the similar difficult situations and someone who works in the public library serving the public.

            Almost everyday, there is someone came to the library to issue a library card. The process would take some minutes including asking the person for some personal information. A routine is not a routine anymore for every time it’s another person standing and facing at the other side of counter. I like to take the opportunity to learn about my patrons. Sources of questions came from the documents the person provided; the way the person presented him/herself, what outfit the person had on that day, or even the condition of weather that day. Most of the time I was able to invite the person to introduce him/herself, tell me his/her story and the reasons why s/he comes to this branch. The more questions and answers exchanged, the more I got to understand how important the public library and my job are to those people. It’s a sacred place and services we provide.

            Some patrons refused to access and use the two self checkout machines the library owns. The reasons behind their resistance and stubbornness are simple: they want the library staff to be able to keep their jobs and they enjoy the human touch. Whenever the person at the other side of the service counter told me how much s/he enjoys talking to us, or how good it is to touch and read a real book my heart was full of joy, hope, and gratitude. “I hear you.” I have the same feeling about the public library not only because I am an employee; I am a beneficiary and product of the services of the public library.

            Information and knowledge could come from a variety of resources. With a touch of the screen, a person is able to make connection globally, internationally, and worldly. But, how do you get a touch of heart from a machine? How do you have a hug from clicking mouse with your finger? A person needs human touch to get warmth and a sense of warmth from being touched by heart.

            I had my last dose of warmth from my manager’s visit in the kitchen. Lying on the couch face down I was trying to ease off my back pain and upset tummy. Lynette, my manager, walked in and asked how I was feeling; I didn’t tell her I had a difficult day. As good as a caring manager she knew right away I had something going in as she walked in. She sat down and chatted with me for a short while. Her visit energized me for I was able to get up and finish the day forgetting the pain and discomfort.

            How big is a human touch? How warm is it at receiving a good treat or a good service? Pay your public library a visit today to find out. Your dreams start @ public library!

You Made My Day * 3

            Did someone do or say something to you that you had a “You made my day” feeling today? It’s not what someone did something to me to make my day today; it’s who she is becoming, something I saw in her that made my day this afternoon. It’s not her makeup or soft pink dress caught my attention or had my eyes on her; it’s her contagious confidence and passionate energy that made her the center of attention in the conference room. This is an aspiring young lady efficiently showing the changes and growth of her in the past months. She is telling the world she is ready to roll and willing to contribute and make a difference to people’s lives. The encouragement to push her to move forward will allow her not only to make a better life for herself but also for the people she is going to team up with and the public at the receiving end of her excellent customer service. She and the whole thing made my day.

            Whenever I walked in Edward's cubicle, I felt welcome and an instant sense of warmth would embrace me at the sight of this young man. Thinking of him, the first thing came to mind were red apples. They were the first friendly treat of his at the time when I was craving for something to savor. From that day on, whenever I was down there I would try to stop by or sit in his office talking and chatting with my dear young friend. His Edward’s style of compliments sometimes would make me laugh and want to tease him back for he really knew how to provoke my defense system to argue with his comments or the words he has used. It’s an interesting relationship and connection I own in that office on that floor. Thanks to the hot tea Edward fixed for me this afternoon, I was able to fight with the decreasing temperature and got help to ease my chapped and dry lips. Edward, you are a wonderful friend to Mei-Wan.

            I forgot what I said that made Kris said “That made my day” as we were walking and talking back to the office cubicles. It’s fate that as I was worrying about how I could get back to the floor without a pass to push the doors open he came from the other end of hallway to the destination in which I just came out. I was debating if I should call someone to let me in there he was again on his way back to his office. The Wheel of Destiny was turning; it not only turned the fate it also turned my wheel of thinking. “Can I ask you a question?” As curious as I have always been I just shot out my questions quick like raining bullets for they have been with me for a long time. Living in a diverse society the abilities to adjust and adapt the ever changing world are as important as a person’s instinct and survival skills.

            Kris didn’t fail me; he made my day. How? It’s not his answers that impressed me the most; it’s who he is. When I learned that he usually parks his own vehicle at the farthest corner at the dim parking lot excitement got the better of me for, at that moment, I forgot my manners; I pointed and waved my index finger at him saying “See, that’s what a good leader would do.”

Customer service starts from the parking lot. Kris demonstrates a good example of good customer service not only to the public but also to his employees (external vs internal). The parking itself comes naturally without second thought. Kris does it automatically and subconsciously. Kris didn’t know he has been doing so until this afternoon when the issue came up in our leisure conversation. This is a wonderful experience for someone who always has questions. I felt like I was coached and given valuable advice. A wonderful afternoon I should say.

Does someone make your day today? If not, your kindly smile definitely would make someone’s day special tomorrow. As simple as a smile, or as easy as a friendly hand gesture, you might save a person’s life or make a dramatic difference in someone’s life. Why not? Who knows?

When things come at the right time, at the right place, to the right person, the wheel of Destiny is oiled and will turn at the right direction to the right path. You might be turning the wheel of someone’s fortune in need to turn around her life. You might be the ONE. 

A Big Family

            “Thirty-three years? No kidding!” I was in awe and surprised to hear the number of years the bartender has been at the job working for the same employer. It’s an amazing number.

            It’s a wonderful event I was invited to the very first time. There were plenty of people, most of them were strangers to me, walking, standing, sitting, savoring, drinking; some of them by themselves, some were chatting in one on one style, some were having conversations in groups. Everyone was busy doing the things typically found at a night event or a party: chatting and enjoying themselves. After surveying the floor, I went to the bartender to ask where I could find a trash can. Then the variety of beverages caught my attention piquing my curiosity. “How could you remember all these stuff?” “It’s easy.” “Wow.” Then he told me the amazing number telling me he has been with this wonderful employer for that long. I was thinking there must be something good and interesting enough to keep a person that long serving and loyal to his company, to where he makes his living.

            “Thank you. You did a wonderful job providing such a good service.” “You are welcome.” I complimented the lady in professional uniform who served our table. The second time she refilled my glass I turned, looked at her, said ‘thank you,’ and asked for her name. “Eva?” “Yes, and what’s yours?” “ Mei-Wan, Mei-Wan is my name.” “Nice to see you.” “Eva, you did a wonderful job and excellent service. How long have you been working here?” “Thirty-two years.” Another ‘Wow’ from me. This Hyatt must treat their employees right and well for they are able to keep their excellent employees to provide the best services. It’s not just the numbers, though the numbers themselves are amazing; it’s the genuine smile and positive attitude from their employees impressed me the most. I wonder what their secret regimen for success is. This is the first thing I felt good about this special event.

            Another thing made this event a special night for me was the people I ran into. Carol gave me a smile as our eyes met the first time with people between us; we never saw each other before. Then we smiled to each other the second time we ran into and saw each other. Minutes later, as I assessed the crowd, I spotted her standing alone with no one near by her. Straight ahead, I went to her, introduced myself, and what happened next just came as naturally as if two old friends reunited after years’ separation. We talked about public library, the importance of sponsorship and groups of friends, reading, and books. She asked for my name and I did the same for hers. As we were waiting for the vehicles to come at the front of the hotel, I went to her and gave her a hug thanking her for the good time I shared with her. At a party crowded and packed with strangers, meeting someone like Carol is a wonderful experience that I won’t forget. The warmth and friendly talking with her feel like I was spotting and staying at an oasis in the desert. What a wonderful night!

            The gentleman named Chris was another person I had a warm and friendly conversation with. The way we conversed told me he must be a successful broker for he knew how to approach a person the right way: unthreatening, friendly, receptive as well as responsive. A good salesperson is a people’s person; he is charming and disarming at the same time. I felt I have learned something from him by talking to him tonight. People are amazing if they are open, friendly, and comfortable, not only with the people they contact with but with themselves as well. Characteristics plays a critical factor in a person’s happiness and success.

            Tonight, everything was nice: the temperature was right, not too cold not too hot; the food was healthy and delicious including the red wine, the chocolate cake, and the coffee Eva served, and the people, acquaintances as well as total strangers. If I have to pick the thing impressed me the most I would say it’s the people I met, ran into, talked to, listened to, and observed.

It’s a big family I spent the night with. When everyone plays their role and plays it well, it’s the best movie I have ever watched, a movie titled “Life.”

           

American Dreams, My Goals…

            Not as fluent as the native’s, my language skills are exercised at work daily to serve the public. The very first time I was rejected to answer a phone call, though the denial and rejection hit me hard sabotaging my ego, served as a wake-up call forcing me to face not only the language barrier but also to ponder on and reflect the real cause of the issue-ego, or should I say self-questioning. That period of time I asked myself questions. Thanks to the guidelines etched in my mind I eventually walked out the maze of self-doubt and set my feet back to the path toward the promising future. If I was able to fly over the immense Pacific Ocean at a very young age with a broken language then why should I be intimidated by a trivial encounter with someone who might not travel far away from homeland? “To serve the public” is my principal guideline ahead of anything else. If, somehow, I am able to follow through this principle then nothing should defeat me or take away my passion, enthusiasm, and determination, my fuel and energy to be a good librarian. It’s my goal, personally as well as professionally.

            Far away, I spotted Eric, one of my regulars whom I haven’t seen for a while. As usual, the first thing I felt and sensed from him is his vigorous Eric-style confidence decorated with a gentleman’s smile; you wouldn’t miss him in a crowd. Pleasantries exchanged, he told me he is going to relocate to Denver for he got an offer. “So soon?” The good news surprised me for Eric just graduated from school and passed CPA exam not long ago. Humbly and matter-of-factly, he briefly described what and how things took place in his life in the past two months. After I had a short conversation with Eric’s whole family, I left the children’s area with his new address and info on my name card. Amazing…I just experienced and witnessed another successful American dream came true. “American dreams start @ your public library” was echoing and following me today as the day went by. Even though it’s his family who has used the branch the most, one couldn’t deny and ignore the role the public library has played in his life and life of his wife’s and children’s. Jennifer silently whistled as I briefed her Eric’s debut of a new career and plan of relocation. It’s a cheer-up both of us need at work. The message is clear: the public library matters in a person’s life.

            Do you know how cute and innocent looking a mature woman would look like when she was fully engrossed herself at sorting books sitting on the floor with her shoes off? Though her feet and legs were not intertwined as those of meditators they reminded me of a lotus seating style. That’s Abby at work. All I could make of her was her shiny long hair as I looked down from where I stood. In order to conveniently and further our conversation I sat down and watched her through the tunnel/hole made of layers of a steel truck. Imagine that picture: it’s as if two girls were playing hide and seek as I bent and straightened my back to go on the talk with Abby while she inspected the titles of books and took time to look up at me. It’s our playground: we work as if we play.

            Today’s power walk was an arduous one for I didn’t have enough sleep last night; my feet were as heavy as if the gravity was playing a prank or a trick on me. The spine and back were not mine; they belonged to an old lady. Then Jennifer pushed the back door and walked toward me as I forcefully walked up the slight slope at the parking lot. “Thank you, Jennifer.” Silently I voiced my gratitude to Jennifer who was walking side by side with me. We picked up the topic we didn’t finish the other day as Jennifer gave me a ride to work. How I want to witness another success, another glory radiate from a person I have been working with for more than five years and a woman I come to like a lot!

            “Do you have a story to tell?”  I am composing my own story by working hard at work, a place I like very much. Compliments from varied patrons and what I have seen in Jennifer tell me she owns plenty of potentials and talents that she, herself, might not have known or pay attention to. As smart as Jennifer, all she needs is for someone to point that out to her with certain degree of recognition and gratitude. I thank Jennifer for what she has done for the group, and for me. A journey won’t be long, hard or lonely for there is someone you trust walking with you. Working with Jennifer allows me to focus on tasks and own a sense of companionship, friendship, and pride of a team work.

            Go American Dreams! Go My Goals, personally as well as professionally!

            

A Day at Work

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日月潭九族文化村

           Working in another branch usually would make me anxious and worried for it’s out of my comfort zone and the combination of different clienteles and environment amplified the degree of negative feelings. Not today. Maybe I was concerned at the beginning when I failed to locate plenty of items on the RTF list. Mustering my courage, I went to the manager and asked if it’s a norm not to fill the requests for, be honest, I shyly explained and told him I consider myself a good hunter and rarely did I fail to locate and find my targets. He said not to worry about the requested items for they might be placed somewhere at the back on some squeaky trucks. Courtesy to the patrons who would like to have a quiet place at their staying we could have them done later when we were not that busy as day went by. Understood the situation, I set off and enjoyed the activity I like the most at work: treasure hunting.

            It turned out that it’s a busy day according to the floor manager/department leader. During those five hours, people came and went, some stayed longer and some sat enjoying the music playing by the library’s wonderful machines; it’s my first time to see those players at work. The sight of their tops reminds me of a salon with perm services. It made me smile as I remember the few time I was with my mother at an old fashioned salon at my childhood. It’s a beautiful picture; I felt I almost could smell that specific olfactory-challenging odor of things applied on a customer’s hair as she was quietly sitting in a chair with her hair and head covered by a funny looking transparent “hat.”

Then an episode reminds me the second question and the answers in one of the books I read recently; the question is: Where are you and why are you there?

            It’s my like and routine to walk a library where I work during operation hours. Today, though it’s not my own branch, I did the same building walk. As I passed this table, the person started to mumble then speak a bit louder complaining that he was trying to read. At first, I didn’t understand what this person said. So I halted, stopped, and looked at the direction of the voice. Heard and understood what just happened, I mumbled my apology, then turned and went on my walk. Later, the manager told me it’s fine; nothing wrong. “I understand.” When I said I understood I really meant what I said. It’s life.

            The more similar situations I ran into the more I accepted and understood what life is about; it’s a journey of souls, souls of others and soul of mine. Our soul is unseen yet we all know each and every one of us owns one. Our soul is weightless yet we know how heavy it could be as one is facing obstacles and/or forks of directions and one doesn’t know which path to choose. Our soul is colorless yet we would recognize the color’s hue and shade of a person’s: it would be dark when we “feel” negative forces and the color would be bright when a positive energy is present and detected. Our soul stores who we are, what we are, and memories of many lives from various times and places the soul has lived. Today, as I briefly stood there listening to the person’s protest I didn’t feel any negative energy. All I saw and felt was another soul, a decent human being, a fellow of my kind: we are the same breathing, walking creatures given this body to roam this land called Earth.

            This understanding came as I walked the second round of the building and this time I detoured and tried not to invade the person’s territory. But I took time to watch the back of the table and smiled: this is where I am, a place called public library, and it’s my playground. I like to serve the purpose of public library.

            Another encounter with a patron had the similar impact on me; I spent quite some time on this young man whom I have helped work on some school project. The function he asked for was new to me for I never used it before. Together we found it and had it worked on his due paper. As he was leaving and said ‘thank you’ to me I said something that kept him talking to me. My curiosity was piqued by his chosen major. From that major we talked about his future career and life itself. In between and at the end of the conversation I requested some books we talked about for him to read in the future. From his expression and his response to what we have exchanged today I almost could see an eager, aspiring, and hard working missionary, a missionary of faith and life.

            The things we have talked about are the meaning of a successful profession and purpose of life. Two elements, during our conversation, I repeated the two elements for a successful career. They are: To create values for other people and to touch people’s lives. If these two elements are exercised as one serves at work then the sound of happiness is singing and it comes to you as naturally as if you are breathing in another stroke of flowing fresh air. Happiness comes and follows you as you have done a good deed. You sleep well at nights; you walk with a straight spine, and you feel good about yourself, being yourself. The reward is valuable and priceless.

            Working at a public sector provides me valuable opportunity to discover who I am, what I am, and why I am there. To me, life is not a difficult mystery though still an interesting mystery deserved to seek solutions and answers. I came to understand that if I go on questioning, reading, and serving the public, one day I might be able to swallow my last breath without doubt and question. One day…

Power Walk

            Jennifer joined me today! First, it’s the sound of door opening caught my attention as I strode and walked at the parking lot. Following the sound and the door I saw Jennifer, in pink T shirt today, walk out the library and come to my way. Without stopping I went on walking as Jennifer joined me walking along at my right side. “Bravo, Jennifer!” Silently, to myself, I thanked everything happened between Jennifer and me; because of Jennifer and her continuous and incessant hard work I was able to “feel” and own a sense of companionship, friendship, and a sisterly love that becomes stronger as time goes by. The touch and feel of her cute face the other day were still vivid and warm as if I passed the like and love of a big sister to a cute little sister lost and found. The sight of and walk with Jennifer this afternoon brought back the memory and feeling of the sisterhood.

            Walking at the parking lot at my break becomes a routine I enjoy and look forward to the most at work. As clock clicks and changes the hour, the expectation grows and becomes stronger. When it’s time I would put on my straw hat I bought from my hometown complete with a pair of sunglasses to protect my eyes. Instead of walking shoes bought from SAS I have on a pair of sneakers. When gears are put on I would take off my name tag. With my key in my pants’ pocket off I go to the inviting outdoor world.

            Some patrons would tell my colleagues that there was this woman in straw hat walking in the sun with three digits temperature. She must be crazy! Well, I consider that’s a compliment for if I was not crazy sometimes, greatness or wonderful things wouldn’t come to enrich my life. It’s the degree of craziness that makes a person who s/he is. The enjoyment of walking and feeling of active and living transcend any negative factors. It’s like the creation of this blog and publishing of my posts. As obvious as black vs white, my language skills can’t compare with the native. Still, the joy of sharing and call of self-growth push and encourage me to overcome the barrier and cross the threshold inviting readers to enter my world. The posts are my voice, voice of heart. If you could comprehend my “points” allowing them to go through and recognize my voice, then you understand who I am, what I am, and you might, at the same time, find and discover who you are and what you are.

            Jennifer told me it felt so good to be able to be outside and breathe the cool autumn flowing air. “It’s so fresh.” “Yes, isn’t it pretty and wonderful?” Watching her face as I turned and listened to her talking about work and personal life I saw the sun from the western horizon shine on her young, pretty face. It’s just a glimpse but it took a long time for me to be able to see this face at the parking lot walking under the stretching, immense sky. I have been calling Jennifer to join me from my heart voicing my invitation by nonstop walking at the parking lot, waiting, waiting patiently. Today, Jennifer answered my call! I thank you, Jennifer.

            At break, one is allowed to do whatever that would please the self. There is thirty minutes of free will, a gift given from the Creator. Of course, there were times and days kept me away from walking: deprivation of sleep from the night before, fatigue from constant walking and maneuvering of items coming to the library, or bad weather. Whenever it’s time to walk, I am feeling the heaven is calling. The heat from the hot sun in the Texas summer can’t take away my joy; comparing to the hot and humid climate of Taiwan Texas’s scorching summer feels like heaven with gentle yet flowing breeze touching my sweating face. Mind set is everything!

            Walking alone is a time for me to ponder, think, and reflect. Sometimes the walking serves as filtering process to get rid of cumulative toxin out of my body, my mind, and my spiritual world. Whenever there was sweat pushed out of my skin happiness came for each bead of sweat was toxic washed out of my body. The joy increased as the sweating became profusely. Walking with someone like Jennifer feels like constructing and strengthening a special relationship. 

            Reflection time by walking alone allows me not to feel lonely and building a relationship by walking with someone like Jennifer allows me not to feel alone and invites a healthy companionship. Both are enchanting and fruitful.

            Power walk? Unless you give it a try power walk won’t be a walking and working power.

            

ING...

            Do you ever consider, at your age, how adventurous you would like to be in your life?

This week is the first week of my lifelong best friend, Johnson, working at his new company, a high tech firm. At the age of 53 he is still energetic, enthusiastic, passionate, and adventurous at the field he enjoys so much that, ever since his graduation some twenty years ago, he keeps this habit of studying and coding at least three hours every day/night nonstop. What he usually reads and studies after work are programming languages, technologies, or knowledge that he thinks would boom and be popular in the future. Thanks to his A genes, he is about to be right at the trends almost every time. My admiration comes from his unusual young spirits, longtime developed passions, strong determination, perseverance, and commitment to his belief, to who he is.

            Johnson’s life is an ING. ING means a person is always on the move (be vs being); there is always something going on in his life that s/he would be engrossed herself/himself at to enjoy the life to its fullest. When others spend time and money on TVs, entertainment and its equipments, tools of enjoyment possibly acquired on the market Johnson devotes his to improving his skills, knowledge, and education. Schooling is not for a degree to him; instead he goes to school because the learning experience itself keeps him fresh, new, and available for next potential career, next new field he finds interesting and of challenge. Johnson is a person not afraid of change.

            At the field of public library, the thing I enjoy the most is to talk to people: asking questions, suggesting something I have tried before and workable, or simply chatting with patrons to allow them to be comfortable with me. Sharing something with people thrills and excites me. This past summer was a season I wouldn’t forget for it’s my first try to see if I could be good at selling and marketing; I consider the library is a business entity providing services for the well being of its patrons. To be a successful salesperson, I have to overcome the embarrassment and fear when a potential customer says NO to me. Once I understood what I wanted and knew my goals I set daily goal/number to challenge myself. The moment the number was met another number was ready to be beat. It’s an ING, a game never stopped to be played until the end of the due date. Though, at the end, I became a bit disappointed to learn that my branch was the second branch for this program, next year’s goal was set and a plan was formed in my mind. No matter if it’s a success or a failure, they are in the past became history. What I have to look forward to is tomorrow, the unknown and exciting future.

            A good librarian is also a good salesperson for s/he is selling helpful services to the public. Don’t waste any handy or coming opportunities I constantly warn and remind myself of the reasons why I like to work in the public library. It’s a safe place and a promising land for someone like me who cherish and admire the values of sharing and hard working. Every book I touch holds future, dreams, and promises for whoever needs it. I have learned from a mother that because of a biography a young girl read at her childhood this young lady was inspired, made up her mind, and went to the prestigious West Point Academy to pursue her dream being an officer. Who knows if this person I have served will become a world known leader? Or the book I have helped reserved or checked out to certain patron would inspire and influence this person allowing her/him to be SOMEBODY, some great mother, father, successful CEO, or a great person of his kind. It’s this potential, challenge, and opportunity that excite me at work. Unknown and uncertainty, though daunting and scary, hold hopes, promises, and paths to greatness and successes.

            Are you a person of ING or is your life is an ING? It’s never too late to become one or have a life of ING. Do you ever ask yourself what heaven looks or feels like? To me, heaven is the present, NOW. It’s not a place in the unknown future or afterlife. It’s your mind set. Living at present, NOW, you know you are alive, living, who you are, and what you are. What happened belongs to history and won’t come back. The future is unreal for it’s not here yet. Now, you hold the keys for answers, hopes, dreams, promises, and a well-considered and plotted future. What you decide and act now is the path toward tomorrow; a future leads to adventures, excitement, enjoyment, and more heavens.

            ING could be a concept if you like it. ING could be wheels riding you to places, status, anything you want to visit, go, or seek. Better yet, ING could be YOU.

            

It's You!

            Two days in a row there were four people working at the branch. The schedule couldn’t catch up with the dynamics and changes happened in the library. Experienced soldiers that we have become we have learned how to be flexible to deal with the different situations. Thanks to this flexibility, I came to meet her again, a mother of two boys, while I was manning the circulation desk this afternoon.

            It’s the book she would like to renew that caught my attention and reminded me of what happened the week before. It’s a computer book about Android application. Moved away from the book I looked up at the lady’s familiar face. "It’s you! How’s your boy? He is nine years old, am I right?” “Yes, he is doing fine. He would like to keep the book for he didn’t finish it yet.” “Ok, let’s renew it first.” From the book we talked about apps, her boy, computer, local network, etc. Then I remember the book on my desk. “Wait.” “Ok.”

           The book on my desk is titled Android Development for Dummies. The day after serving the mother and boy, I kept on searching books for them though they didn’t ask me to. The reason for me to do so was that I wasn’t satisfied with what I found that day. After browsing and searching, I placed my request for app book published this book for I was feeling that a new release book on apps would benefit the young boy. Fortunately, she came to the circulation desk at my scheduled hour. From talking the book, the mother and I kept on talking other books that I felt might give her ideas about the trend and future of high tech. After a brief book description she would like me to request the book I read and recommended. Then, as usual, I walked her to the doors and went on some more talking at the front of the library. The weather was inviting, a typical tame and cool autumn afternoon. We exchanged names and said our goodbyes.

            Why did I do such thing? The patrons didn’t ask for a request yet I did it anyway. The reason is I felt the need to further assist them. It surprised me that at the age of 9 the young boy already shows his talent and interest at the high tech when his peers might be watching TV or playing games or other kids’ stuff. Who knows what he is able to do with this kind of head and mind. If the public library somehow can provide tools or knowledge to boost up and inspire the young mind and heart why not just do extra more to see if our services, collections, or equipments could be of help to him. Why not?

            Another call from heaven this afternoon at work! Great things came to me at my down time and it took place again at the information desk. The two books are called “Blade Runners.” More than often, as I fed the search engine, there was more than one author with the same title shown on my screen. So I turned my monitor and highlighted the titles for the lady in front of me to tell me which one to place a request. Confirmed the author, I asked for her card and finished the request procedures. As she gathered her possessions and placed them into her purse she asked me about Kindle Fire. “We have ebooks.” “Really?” “Yes, and here is the instruction.” I then highlighted the two important things for her to pay special attention for downloading ebooks.

            “I like to read a real book and I also like the smell of books.” I told her I am old schooled. She is a writer, she told me. I left my desk and walked her to the door to go on our talking about books. As I turned my back and walked toward the library peace was with me for I just had a wonderful conversation with a nice lady. The feeling was great as if the heaven is open and close for me to have the wonderful experience. Another nice interaction with my patron, it seemed like I had a call and a visit from heaven.

            The mind is like the earthly landscapes: up and down, wide and narrow, clear and murky, as colorful as a rainbow, as dark as the pitch black night, you name it. Unless one is made of iron and steel and as dry as a drought, once in a while, a situation, an event, or even a person could provoke some emotions and make one wonder what a hell might look like or how should a person respond or react to an overwhelming condition. There must be a boiler inside me for I feel fueled sometimes under certain circumstances. At the same time, there has to be a freezer somewhere in me for I feel so cold encountering something, someone, or some places. Conflict, isn’t it? Life is a mix of spices and made up with heat and ice. Sometimes I simply didn’t get it. Why? The answers seem to be asleep somewhere inside my mind. Or, I might ask the wrong questions. Who knows?

            Thanks to my patrons, everyday is a new day, a fresh new start for me to follow, to experience. Who said the library is quiet? Well, it might be quiet, but definitely not boring. It’s a busy place. It plays an episode titled “Life.”           

            

Tea Time with Librarian-First Encounter

            When, Lynette, my branch manager came to get me informing me that there were two people waiting outside the auditorium for today’s Tea Time meeting, I didn’t have second thought; I was expecting Ruby and her friend, a potential club member. The sight of Sherri, my newly acquired friend, was a surprise. She had another surprise for me: she brought a friend, an aspiring writer, to see me. What a good start for this budding young reading club! Thank you, Sherri and Ruby.

            There were 4 of us present at today’s Tea Time: Ruby, Sherri, me, and Lily, Ruby’s friend. First of all, members took turns to introduce themselves. Since the purpose of a Tea Time with librarian and members was to talk and share, more like a social call, there were plenty of topics to be talked and discussed. While Ruby and Sherri had a conversation, I began my reference interview with the new comer, Lily. Lily likes to have good time with friends, watch movies, and go shopping. Asked the history of learning English Lily mentioned different learning places with ESL programs, places like community colleges and churches. Mentioned how many years of reading experiences in both languages Lily said something allowing me to pinpoint her barriers to have a long term reading habit. Everything goes deeper when it goes personal.

            Back to group talk, Ruby shared her own experience how she started from an author and finished one series and, now, onto the second series by the same author. Meanwhile, Ruby also found another author who is productive and whose books are interesting and easy to read for someone who really wants to dig up the buried learned language skills gained from schooling at her youth. Good for Ruby!

            Sherri stuck out her tiny tongue as if a little girl was caught doing something naughty when I pointed the notebook and pen I gave her asking and reminding her not to forget to submit her book description/summary at next reading meeting. I will give each new member a notebook and a pen at their first meeting. To me, reading and writing are like preparing a performance on stage. If a performer wants to perfect her show she has to work hard to get ready for her program; it’s reading time. Before delivering the event, she has to rehearse to finalize her preparation; this is writing. When the show hostess gets everything done, all she has to do is to be herself. Once a person is good at reading and writing, everyday is her showtime; she is ready to launch and aim high.

            After everyone took turns to talk, I shared what a “WOW” moment feels like with my member. When the great thing and wonderful feeling came, there was a moment of shortcut, like the time was frozen at the sight of the term that touched my heart and soul. Unknown what’s been happening I went on reading that afternoon at a corner table one winter afternoon at a local bookstore. I remember how warm the sunray shone on me that day. Then I froze minutes later as if a light bulb was turned on suddenly shocking me. Pages turned, I went back to the term that made all these things happened. The second sight of the term “ebony and ivory” in one of Robert Parker’s books got me understood that I just had my “WOW” moment, the moment I came to understand and appreciate the beauty and art of the language called “English,” a subject I flunked, feared, and failed many times at my school years. I felt something stirring inside me that day and it lasted days after that afternoon.

            Mind set is everything!

            If one goes on holding the idea of learning and sharpening a language, the burden and heaviness of gaining something would drag down a person’s motivation and sabotage the will and drive to enjoy reading, an ability and habit that would last a lifetime’s joy and sense of happiness. Whenever I read a good book I would call mother and thank her for this wonderful gift she allows me to acquire and gain. Most of my childhood playmates didn’t go to college or even finish high school for they had to give up education to help their parents make a living. My mother insisted me to go higher, to leave home to weave my dreams. Without her support and insistence I couldn’t imagine where I would have been at this age.

            Healthy reading habit allows a person to ponder upon things, good as well as bad, piques a person’s curiosity for answers and asks more questions, and invites creativity and imagination. Next time when you walk in the library and check out books for your children, don’t forget to take home some books for yourself.

Your dreams start @ public library!!!

The Foundation of Happiness Is To Help Others

            Asked the feel of this blog, instead of direct answer, this person asked “Who are your audience?” This is a good question and I didn’t have a ready answer when asked. Further, “It’s more like a person’s diary meaning personal.” Further comment followed. As usual, questions allow and help a person to think and reflect.

            As day went by, those comments and questions followed me, at the same time, personal emotions generated by an encounter with a dear friend today at the parking lot intertwined and demanded my attention as if my mind and heart are arguing with each other like siblings. Oh dear, too personal I guess.

            I like personal for everything goes deeper, not just navel-gazing or under the skin. Take the example of customer service, if you don’t spend and take your time to ask questions and get to know what’s really needed or what kind of services would really benefit or create values for your customers how would you satisfy yourself being a service provider if you, yourself, don’t feel the deal is “sealed,” and the sensation of achievement. Good or even great things happen when you go personal or deeper.

            Recently, great things happened at my branch that allows me to aspire to become a good librarian, a good customer provider, and a good person. There are many people come and go in our life. Some are drifters; we might just see them this one time. Some are acquaintances; we spend more time with them but don’t know them too well. Some are friends; they might be coworkers, neighbors, classmates, or regular customers. Some are our mentors; because of them we learn, grow, feel secure, and don’t feel alone or lonely. How do you define who is which group? You feel.

            Working in the library for more than 5 years now, once in a while, I like to spend time at the 158’s area, the self-help section. I feel happy as my eyes browse the shelves and titles. And it’s exactly where I went on the day I got humiliated by a comment from a phone call. At there I met a caring soul whose voice ironed my sabotaged ego and her words soothed my broken heart. We didn’t meet each other before; that’s our first encounter at the library. And I got to know her name that same day. She didn’t know what happened to me yet her presence that day was important to me; it cleaned an open wound. She likes to help people and her profession fits her caring personality quite well; I was not surprised to acquire her career later.

            “The Foundation of Happiness Is to Help Others” is the tenth principle of the Youth Principle every student had to remember and be able to recite at my school years. When young, I just recalled the twelve principles and didn’t ponder upon the depth of their meanings. Serving at the public sector and the love of the workplace bring back the memory of the twelve principles. At night, embraced in the darkness, my mind is lighted by the tenth principle allowing and guiding me to read people, events, and interactions happened in my life. More thoughts provoked more reflections and more reflections invite more thinking. I know I like to see happy faces made up by smiles, genuine smiles.

            At the self help area, two themes are the major topics and subjects: happiness and success. Sometimes those two things would confuse a person that the two are the same or related. For me, I have a question: how does one person define happiness or success? To me the definition is simple and clear: success is when a person is able to create values for other people and to touch people’s lives. When a person is able to do so, happiness follows.

Working in the public library allows me to meet people from different backgrounds. People came to the public library, came to me for many reasons. They don’t know me and I don’t know them either. But we have something in common: the public library. To me, the best I could do for them is to find out what brings them in to my library. So I go personal: I ask questions, I talk, and ask more questions. It’s important to me for if I am not satisfied with the results how could the other person be content with what I got for him/her.

I like the term “to seal the deal,” or the term “closure.” When I have the feeling of sealing a deal after serving a patron I smile to myself: I find peace and own a sense of satisfaction and achievement.

Foundation of Happiness Is to Help People. The concept deserves some time to ponder and reflect. At least, it works for me.