Bookin' It To The Library

A few months ago I fulfilled a dream of the sixth grade girl inside me and got a job at the public library.  I work VERY part-time hours alphabetizing books as they are returned and then making sure the books get shelved properly.  My official title is library clerk, as I am not a librarian, since I do not have an MLS degree (Masters of Library Science, for those not in the know).  Apparently, jobs at the library are pretty popular.  When I interviewed, the manager told me I was one of 12 candidates they were interviewing.  Twelve!  For a part-time job!  At the library!  I was sure there wasn't a chance in Hades that I'd get the gig, but get it I did and I've been giddy about it ever since.

I was asked at the interview what I thought my favorite thing would be about working at the library. I immediately answered, "the books!" I've been thrilled to discover I was correct.  The books - their titles, their subjects, the authors' names, etc, have been my favorite thing by FAR about working at a library.  Another incredible perk is a few hours a week of quiet time.  I don't have to talk much and the most pressing thing I have to think about is remembering that H comes before I and that N is after M.  I joke with my co-workers that I come to work to relax. 

Since having children has done a permanent number on my memory, lately I been taking pictures of books that I find interesting/funny.  Who knew the library was a comedy show waiting to happen?  I thought I'd share some gems that I've found recently. 

The Title Made Me Laugh:

These all happen to be non-fiction books.  I'm not sure why, but I find the non-fiction titles funnier than the fiction.

I actually wonder if this one is funny...

I audibly gasped and then busted out laughing when I found this one.

My only hope is that Greg Glendell has made millions off this book.  Proof that you can find ANYTHING at the library.

I flipped through this and it did look like a fun read.  I'll have to remember to read this one.

The Cover Art Is Completely Ridiculous:

I find more hysterically awkward/non-sensical covers in the harlequin section.  It's one of my favorite sections to shelve because it is pure comedy gold.  The titles in that section are usually terribly cliche - "Too Hot to Handle", "Tempting Fate", "Lucky Charm", etc. and there's always, always, ALWAYS some kind of skin showing.

"No risk, no reward."  I love it!  What a shirtless guy has to do with the plot, I have no idea, but this one had me laughing for awhile.

The author's name caught my eye initially, but I also enjoy the font of the title and just the title in general. If this strikes your fancy, be sure to catch "How to Tame Your Duke" by the same author! 

YA Reads:

I am a not-so-secret Young Adult Fiction lover.  It's slightly embarrassing and I am probably getting old enough that I should graduate into adult novels, but the YA stuff is simply fun!  I always request my YA books ahead of time so I'm not that creepy older woman in the teen section.

With a title like this, how can I NOT want to read it?

This is probably old hat for all you Twilight lovers.  Even though I, regrettably, read ALL FOUR BOOKS IN THAT BLAH SERIES, I'd never heard of the spoof.  Just read the back - it sounds awesome.  Plus, I have it on good authority from a reliable source (ahem, T-bone) that it's pretty good.

Non-Fiction Reads That I May Actually Read:

You had me at "avocado"

I act like an old person sometimes and love Reader's Digest (At least, I've been told by more than one person that RD is an old person's magazine.  Is that true???).  This book is like my birthday and Christmas Day all rolled into one.  Wait, what?

Love me some Stacy London.  

I'm all about big personalities and high drama.  Sign me up!

Yes, please.

Seriously, the library is a dream.  I've had more than more patron tell me they haven't been in a library in years and that hurts my heart just a little.  Go, go to your public library!  Author Neil Gaiman said recently, "But libraries are about freedom. Freedom to read, freedom of ideas, freedom of communication. They are about education (which is not a process that finishes the day we leave school or university), about entertainment, about making safe spaces, and about access to information." Gaiman's entire remarks addressed the importance of reading fiction and of the public library.  It's a tad lengthy, but so worth the read.  Find it HERE.