Music To My Ears!
One day, I returned to my office after covering the front desk for a few hours and heard what I thought to be a cello. Much to my surprise, it was a cello! In the study room! I only confirmed this after leaving the office and “browsing” the stacks in front of the study room door. I later learned that it would be a recurring meeting as this was the only space that the instructor could meet with the student. I was initially worried that we would receive complaints from patrons in the quiet area about the noise level; however, the times they reserved were near our closing hours which meant less people in the area anyway. After this initial worry, I then shared with my office buddy that we would be witnessing the student’s entire cello career. This use of the study room made me so happy as a band geek. A happiness I shared when reading about Memphis’ Cloud901 (Grant, 2021) and learning about the Noise Closet at the Chattanooga Public Library (n.d.). While not on the level of these amazing libraries, yet (just kidding), I am happy that we can provide a Sound Room for a user of the library. This moment added to my lived experiences solidifying my library as more than just a “hushed repository of books” and maybe, others outside of staff as well that typically see the library as such. While not offering as much space as our study room, I am very excited about a new sound booth our library has acquired which will allow users, such as our cellist (might be a little snug), to record themselves, practice individually, or explore podcasts!
Fine-ally, Free!
As of July this year, my library system has now been fine free for two years and I couldn’t be happier (not in an ironic-Glinda way)!
Much like in The Fine Free Library: One Year Later, I have had my own moments interacting with patrons that have made me extremely happy that we are fine free. Moments like the mother of four bringing in various late picture books asking if she can check out more have been common and much like Tanya, I am so pleased that I get to respond yes and provide reassurance that we do not charge late fees anymore (2018). Just the other day, I was hanging out in our courtyard getting some cleaning done when I overheard a mother telling her kids to “let her do the talking”. I wondered what they might be talking about and then, as if on cue, late fees were mentioned. It was a tough internal battle not to call over to them and shout, “we’re fine free, you’re totally okay!”. One, I didn’t want to scare them as I was hidden by the doors to our shed and two, I didn’t want to deny my colleague’s opportunity to make someone’s day (again, I fought so hard and almost jumped to the door leading out of the courtyard). With increased costs of living and the library being recognized as a free space, it makes total sense to eliminate any barriers that would prevent users from enjoying the resource. Especially if service groups consist of those who cannot afford the extra charge in addition to all their other expenses. While it has been two years, these moments still occur and it is always such a special moment to provide reassurance.
References
Chattanooga Public Library. (n.d.). Noise closet. Chattlibrary. https://chattlibrary.org/noise-closet/
Grant, R. (November 2021). How Memphis created the nation’s most innovative public library. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/memphis-created-nations-innovative-public-library-180978844/?fbclid=IwAR1KhgGc_cXHfCduhqGtJ1Wi5Y2jRho1yW1Q62QjCNC5o2Qs9eLeGnzqqIM
The City Library. (August 9, 2018). The fine free library: One year later. Medium. https://slcpl.medium.com/the-fine-free-library-one-year-later-d28c69743c15