Public Librarians Have The Best Sense of Humor - Who Knew!?

On Good Friday, April 2, Vivian and I went to the local public library.  This was in part to kick-off my April Monthly Challenge of "Let's Get Literal!" 

I remember back to my childhood memories of the library -- everyone and everything always seemed so quiet.  My mother took us to storytime regularly and made it a point that my brother and I indulged in reading every summer when we were on vacation from school. 

In the humble library of Gray, Louisiana where I grew up, you typically didn't see many people around.  Just shelves and shelves of endless books, the old card catalog system and copy machines that made noises like a Buick on its last wheel. 

As a kid, I was an avid reader.  I recall one summer where I read 50+ books and received the "Super Reader Award" at my elementary school.  For fun, I used to climb a large tree in my parents' backyard, sit there on a branch and read a book for an hour while my brother and the neighborhood boys played basketball or rode their bicycles. 

When did I stop reading or making it a part of my regular routine?  I don't know exactly but I hope to rekindle my love for books with this April challenge.

The local Pensacola libary didn't disapppoint me!  For what they lack in book variety and inventory, they more than make up for in personality, humor and vivaciousness.  In fact, I had way more laughs than I thought was possible for a public library visit.  Let me explain in greater detail.....

Before my visit, I had called the Northwest Florida Public Library system to reserve the books for my literacy challenge.  The books I placed on hold were "The Old Man And The Sea," "Love in the Time of Cholera," and "Dangerous Liaisons."  My other two books ("To Kill A Mockingbird" and "The Poinsonwood Bible") were borrowed from friends of mine. 

While I was checking out my books, I didn't bother flipping through the covers.  I was sure the lady I spoke with on the phone had taken down my on-hold order correctly.  Hahahahah!  Lesson learned and much laughter soon followed.  Once I went home and actually looked at each publication title with my own very eyes, I realized that I was not given, "Love in the Time of Cholera," like I requested.  Instead I was given this book (pictured below):






In case you have trouble seeing the photo, let me reveal the title: "Love in the Time of Colic: A New Parents Guide To Getting It On Again!" 

Isn't that just hysterical!?  I mean, were the librarians trying to send me some kind of message?  (I am laughing out loud even now....) 

I can assure them (and you, my readers) that Vivian has been around for over two years now but surprisingly, Kirk and I have no trouble getting down to business whenever we feel the urge to do so.  ;-)  Nevertheless, I feel like the divine gods above (or down below?) are sending me what they want me to read.... 

So instead of my originally chosen publication of "Love in the Time of Cholera," I am going to read this "...Getting it on again..." book instead.  I mean, how can I not read it?!  This publication's summary has sparked my interest. I feel it is my duty to inhale the words and review it since it has fallen into my lap so fatefully.  Maybe my husband will be graciously thanking me even more by the end of April??? Hmmm.....

Kirk and I had a good laugh about this whole book mixup ordeal.  My friends and relatives found it hilarious as well.  "Only you Mandy!" is what they have all said to me.   Yes, it's true, only me would something like this happen to~!  

Still, I bet this book will be a humorous and fun read.  Perhaps it is just what I need to help me get through this literacy challenge.  :-)   If I have time leftover, then perhaps I'll listen to "Love in the Time of Cholera" on audio instead.  But for now, I'm just accepting what those silly, naughty librarians gave me.

Speaking of those silly and naughty librarians, I must tell you about the conversations I overheard them saying.  Now I wouldn't call myself an eavesdropper, but in a quiet place like a library, if more than one person is speaking in a room, you can't help but hear the words spoken.   This was the case as Viv and I perused the children's section. 

Three librarians were enjoying a conversation at length.  The topic ranged from the size of their breasts to the men in their lives.  I heard one exclaim, "My sister's boobs are bigger than mine by a longshot.  The only time mine have even gotten close is when I was breastfeeding my babe years ago...."  Really?  You don't say?  Is that the plot summary of the newest Twilight book or are you just happy to see customers in here? 

Not long after the boobies discussion, the librarian topic switched to men and sex.  Let's just say that I bet these librarians have plenty of time on their hands to browse the sections on health and relationships.  I just hope that they are also examining the medical encyclopedias on disease and pregnancy too.

Mind you all of this gossip was taking place in the CHILDREN'S SECTION of the library!  Yes, while I quietly colored at the kids' table with Vivian, I heard conversations that were definitely PG-13 rated.  These three bookworm hookers were hollerin' and hootin' it up like they were the fab trio that were rejected by the Sex and the City quartet. 

I found it all so entertaining but I'm glad my toddler was oblivious to what they were saying.  I suppose it's true what they say:  You can't judge a book by its cover.  Nor can you judge a librarian by her geeky exterior.  She may just be a wild woman instead of a hobbit surrounded by subtitles and mildew. 

I wonder what I'll hear during my next library visit!  Oh you better believe I'm going back for more! 

Still, before the funny book mishap, and before the librarians' sexual healing talk,  I did spend some quality time with Vivian flipping through books in her age section.  We pulled out random titles.  I love children's books and I enjoy reading them to her.  During our discovery period, I found a gem from my past called "Miss Nelson is Back." 

Vivian is just so happy when we're in the library.  She screams with delight, I mean screams!!  My child is not quiet.  Not ever.  So having her in a library is a bit like having a bull in a china shop.  Thankfully the children's section is separate from the main area.  Therefore, her excitement is somewhat contained and does not disturb those working on computers or browsing the movie rental collection. 





We spent about forty minutes total in the library, which is a fair amount of time for any two year old.  Then we checked out, collected our items and headed home. 

So far, Viv and I are both enjoying the books we selected.  As I read through them, I will talk about them here on this blog-- what I like and don't like about the stories or characters.  I'll give my honest opinion on the writing style and if I'd recommend the publication to others.

Feel free to join in and take the literacy challenge with me.  Anne from Annie Bakes has written me an email and decided to join me in reading "To Kill A Mockingbird."  If you wish to join our virtual book club, let me know.  The more the merrier....  Let's expand our minds together! 

If I seem distant for a few days or even a week, it's just because I've got my nose bent between the pages of a book, instead of a blog.  I'm trying to reduce my time on the computer, television and other forms of technology so my mind can absorb entertainment the good old fashioned way -- printed pages, bound together.  The next thing you know, I'll be churning my own butter!  Hahaha! 

So until we speak again, I encourage you to challenge your brain in some way, shape or form.  And for those of you joining me on this literacy movement..... Happy reading!