Space Transporters at the Library?

I went to the new, state-of-the-art, 10 story library in downtown Seattle for the first time today. I know, it's been open for almost a year now and I should be ashamed it took this long for me to go..... Would you believe I was waiting for the crowds to die down? :-)

The place is an inspiration. At first I was totally intimidated - how was I going to find the books I needed? But within about 5 minutes I figured out the system and began to see how very easy it was going to be to find what I was looking for. The book call numbers are EVERYWHERE - on the racks, on the walls, even on the floor.

The only odd thing is the neon yellow/green that is the library's only accent color to it's modern glass and metal design. Getting into an elevator that has neon yellow/green walls, ceiling, and floor is a bit shocking. I was alone in the elevator and I could not help but think that I was about to be transported into a spaceship (I have a higher than average number of such fears because my father has been telling me we are from outer space all my life).

I found so many books I wanted to check out! My purpose was to get research books for my More Space essay called Anatomy of a Breakthrough. I had done a search online before going and created a 3 page list of books to evaluate. By the time I finished on the 8th floor, I had 12 books in my arms.

The check out desk is on the first floor. Wondering how many books I can check out, I began rehearsing my plea should I get to the check out desk and find that I have exceeded their definition of reasonable use. So many angles to try:

I am an author researching a book (How pompous! But would it work? Librarians love authors, right?)

My project is due in a couple days and I will get them right back. (seems lame)

I called yesterday and was told that I could make a special request to exceed the limit. (slimy)

Pleeaassee! (This is the one I will likely go with)

My mind was racing, practicing, posturing all the way down. What an idiot! The check out lady let me have all the books I wanted, no questions asked. She even offered me a bag, which I declined out of guilt and shame.

Dale Carnegie was right in his classic How to Win Friends and Influence People, 99% of our worries never come true.

Sliding through downtown Seattle on my way home, I felt like I had a cool and fun experience at the library. I wonder if that color would work in my house?

Comments

[Tim Stanley]

Hi Lisa, Your experience at the new library brings back memories. I had the same experience a couple of times researching a college paper a few years ago. I also wondered if I was going to be able to check out an arm full of books. What story was I going to tell the clerk? Plus, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a great book. When I took the Dale Carnegie Human Relations course, this book was the center piece of learning. I got a lot out of this book and course. I enjoy your site. You add energy to your writing. You are indeed a good writer.

[Lisa Haneberg]

Thanks so much for the nice thoughts! I am glad you enoy the posts.