This writing is my third attempt to publish a December post. I have a story I want to tell, but the right words have eluded me thus far. Very rarely is this wordsmith at a loss for verbiage, but every time I try to write about my new patron "Julia" (her name has been changed to protect her privacy), I am rendered speechless -- or wordless, if you will. Perhaps the third time will be the proverbial charm...

...I met Julia last week. She is a resident at one of the senior housing facilities I visit, but I have never seen her in the community room before. She was passing through, and she stopped suddenly when she saw my display. I smiled at her and asked her if she wanted to browse the collection, but she shook her head and looked away. I watched her scan the room once, twice, her disappointment palpable . She took two steps to her right and became awash in relief as she located her target, a kindly staff member. Julia began gesturing wildly to get the woman's attention, and when she did, her face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Jenny" came over to my table and introduced me to Julia, who is hearing impaired. Jenny has known Julia for several years and is able to communicate Julia's wants and needs quite effectively. She explained to me that Julia also does not speak English fluently; she is a native Spanish speaker. My confidence did not wane whatsoever, as I can speak passable Spanish, and I also know enough American Sign Language to make conversation. As I relayed this pertinent information to Jenny, she informed me that Julia does not read lips nor does she sign. Undeterred, I decided to write down necessary information in Spanish, at which point I discovered that Julia's vision is also impaired; she has difficulty seeing even large print. What could I possibly do for this woman? She couldn't read books or listen to CDs or books on tape. As I silently pondered how I could make my library materials accessible for her, Jenny told me that Julia does enjoy watching DVDs but can only do so when her relatives visit and bring them to her. The communication issue that had been a lifelong stumbling block was about to be overcome in this instance. I gave Jenny a library card application to fill out on Julia's behalf. I motioned for Julia to stand next to me, and one by one, I showed her every DVD I had in the crate. An excited shake of the head meant yes, a waggle of her index finger meant no. I learned that Julia likes period-pieces and anything Shakespearean. She also likes animals and travel. We laughed and smiled as we went through the DVDs. No words were exchanged between us, but we had a lovely conversation indeed. Julia was thrilled to have a library card and patronize the collection with the other residents. After I entered Julia's record in the computer and checked out her items, she clasped my hand, pointed to the DVDs and smiled broadly. That was the loudest "thank you" I've ever heard. Jenny said that I made Julia's day. As Julia left, she blew me a kiss. In this season of giving and receiving, that kind and sincere gesture is one of the best gifts to be afforded to me.

Through Rain, Sleet, or Snow

Routines are wonderful things; I crave order and structure in all facets of my life, so it's no surprise to those who know me that I have developed quite an efficient routine for my bookmobile travels. My crates are always well-stocked and packed efficiently, my hold requests are at the ready, and I keep supplies on hand to protect my precious cargo from inclement weather. One would think all this preparation would lend itself to smooth sailing all around...one should think again. How to properly brave the elements was an issue I failed to consider effectively. The wind and the rain are mercilessly unforgiving to a thin plastic kitchen garbage bag acting as a tarp. Two seconds of gale force winds and it's bye-bye, plastic bag. Posters and brochures blow away like escaped balloons. Paperback books are like sponges; they absorb a large quantity of water very quickly. Some sympathetic folks have helped me chase papers and secure (and I use that term loosely [yes, pun intended]) yet another garbage bag atop the crates. I do my best to contain the situation quickly, and I actually appreciate that I'm providing comic relief to bystanders as I'm flailing about, admonishing the inanimate objects as if they are naughty children. These experiences have made me realize that no matter how carefully I plan, there's always potential for plans to go awry. I just have to adapt to the environment - that and invest in a heavy duty tarp with grommets. Let it snow - I'm ready!

Welcome Aboard

"I'm so glad you're here." How many times do we get to hear that statement uttered in sincerety? I've had the pleasure of hearing patrons tell me that several times this past week as I undertook my maiden voyage on the bookmobile. I catch a ride and travel the route with the esteemed bookmobile coordinator: he assists patrons that come aboard the vehicle while I venture into the facilities (with crates of books and A/V materials) to assist patrons who are unable to access the bookmobile. The elderly citizens of Reading are some of the nicest and most enthusiastic folks around. I enjoy watching the anticipation on their faces when I arrive as I unload the books and make my displays. They discuss genre, plot, and character development among themselves as they peruse the collection. When I have a book that someone has been looking forward to reading, the unabashed squeal of delight upon discovery of its presence is a welcome sound to my ears. When I recommend a book and I am thanked for finding a new author to follow, I'm deeply humbled. I knew going into this position that I would enjoy interacting with elderly residents and assisting them in choosing books to read, but what I didn't realize is how profoundly touched I would be by these patrons' recognition and appreciation of the invaluable community service offered them courtesy of the library. The materials they borrow educate, challenge, mystify, and entertain them. They understand the joy, wonder, and knowledge gained from reading. Despite age, poor health, or immobility, these smart, vital people are able to go anywhere, be anything, and feel everything through books. One lady, her weathered canvas tote bag heavy with Harlequins, summed up this notion very nicely by telling me, "Reading books keeps me going."

One Month Later...

I can't believe a month has passed since my introductory post. I have been busy training on the computer system, attending meetings, visiting the elderly housing sites, and planning my marketing approach. Many thanks are extended to the staff that helped me settle in and provided me with information and suggestions. I unpacked and shelved the first shipment of new materials. The branch manager did a fantastic job ordering such a diverse collection. I cannot wait until these books are released into circulation; the patrons will have so many exciting genres from which to choose. The DVDs are appealing, too. We have TV series such as Meerkat Manor and Planet Earth, classic films such as The Grapes of Wrath and Rio Bravo, contemporary movies that include The Other Boleyn Girl and Becoming Jane as well as several travel and historical series. There really is something for everyone. I should be in the sites in about three weeks, so my next post will detail my travels through and experiences at the different facilities.

A brief introduction

Hi. I'm Leslie, and I'm so pleased to be the new bookmobile assistant for the City of Reading Bookmobile (part of the Reading Public Library). I will be riding along with Matthew, the Bookmobile Coordinator, in order to visit several elderly housing sites in the city. I will leave the Bookmobile at each site and "carry" materials into the buildings for those residents who are unable or unwilling to enter the Bookmobile. I am breathless with excitement as I prepare to share my love of books and reading with new and returning patrons. This blog is in its infancy and will be so until we post our fall schedule and include new materials in our collections. The sky is the limit in this new venture, and we intend to reach for the stars!