Dear Maggie —
I just started volunteering at the School Library this year. It’s super fun, I love reading to the students, and it’s great to get to see my own kiddos in their “element” each week. But I wanted to reach out to you about some of the things I’ve seen going on down there – and maybe to see if you know how we might do something about it. There are two really nice ladies down there all the time who appear to know quite a lot – but honestly, it seems like they might know TOO much about the library. They’re kinda scary about it – it’s all they seem to talk about. So, I thought I’d turn to you. Maybe there’s something we can do to help those two poor souls out. Maybe if we figure out how to zhuzh some of the items up a bit – they might be able to channel their energy into some other interests as well? Case in point – last week I got there early and had to boot up the computer – which took a solid half-hour to get running. (Seriously, I’m not joking – it was like 28 minutes and 43 seconds!!) Those computers down there are so old, I think they only have green text on the screen – like something out of the 80’s movie Wargames (“Shall we play a game?). And those two women are using some color-coded system like their own version of dewey-decimal to work around all of it. Not to mention – some of the books are looking a little LOVED, shall we say. We need to help them out. But what’s a librarian to do?
– Contrarian Librarian Marion
Dear Contrarian Librarian –
Marion, Marion, quite contrarian, how does your library grow? Well, I have some good news for you – and it might not be as difficult as you think. In fact, I think it’s downright FUN!
Those two women you speak of are Lauren Freeman and Rheagan Reynolds – and they’ve run the School Library through the PTA for the past several years. They do a great job – although, I will admit, maybe a little crazy as you suggest – but just my kind of crazy! They’re actually knee-deep in the School Gym at the moment, getting everything ready for one of my favorite events – and the best way to kick off the holiday season – it’s MY market! Yes, the Saint Margaret Holiday Market!! I love that they named it after me – wasn’t that clever of them?!?
And why am I telling you all of this?? Because each year, the Holiday Market benefits the School Library – and yes, this year, they’re looking to replace those very aged computers of which you speak. (Though, let’s not be too agists here – some of my best friends are not only aged – they’re dead! 👻) And maybe even add some more books while they’re at it!
Most people don’t know it – but the SMOS School Library is not only completely parent-run, but it is also 100% self-sustaining. Their budget only comes from what they make in fundraisers and donations – thank you very much.
So, tomorrow night is a big night for them – and they’d love to have your support! They’ve got a great lineup of vendors – about half are brand-new to the market this year, and the other half are old favorites from years’ past (but not all last year – some are returning from prior markets of yore).
Look at me – being all literary (Bernie and Terri would never believe it!). I read. It’s usually just tea leaves or tarot cards. Or In Style. We will discount the fact that this might be the closest I get to a book each year – but frankly, who doesn’t love a good cocktail and some holiday shopping, even if it does involve books peripherally. So, meet me at MY market tomorrow night. I’ll be there working the room. It may be for a library, but that doesn’t mean I plan to keep quiet. After all – it is a P-A-R-T-Y – and it’s for the children! I give till it hurts. 🥳
— Maggie