madam librarian

I don't know what made me think of it yesterday, but someone mentioned a librarian and my mind just started on a roll.  A small part of me always wanted to be a librarian.  They're stereotypically smart, quiet, somewhat mean and have a very naughty streak.  If the shoe fits...  They wear glasses, have their hair pulled up, wear long-sleeved, button down shirts and long skirts and walk around telling people "Shhhhh!" And the crazy thing is men have fantasies about these women.  Of course, men's fantasies never make much sense.

But then I thought about the librarians at the small rural library in the town I grew up in.  Sure, the somewhat mean part of the librarian lore held true, but visually these librarians were nowhere near that picture.  They were all middle-aged, wore appliqued vests and matching turtlenecks, and pleated khaki pants or those non-denim mom jeans.  They basically looked like they were going to a bad sweater party, but were dead serious about their ensemble.  I think most of their clothing came from the Blair Boutique or McCall's patterns.  And they always seemed confused by my questions.  I guess the subject matter I was looking for was a little off the "norm" for them.

Not the most welcoming of people or places.  I think it's time for a change.

With the advent of things like the Kindle and the Nook, people are downloading their books.  If you don't want the latest bestseller, the classics are free.  School papers are now researched online instead of encyclopedias and stacks of books.  Bookstores have places to sit and read and coffee and snack shops.  

Why don't we combine it all...and throw in some helpful, friendly, librarian-looking librarians?!

The library I grew up with was two stories (main level and basement), so I'm going to work off of that basic structure .

Main Level:  

Welcome to the library!  One side of the main level is set up for research and work.  Non-fiction books, long wooden tables with desk lamps, computers with internet access, reference books, encyclopedias, microfilm, etc.  

The other side is where you relax.  The fiction section, magazines, comfortable chairs, fireplace.  It's cozy and inviting.  You can start a book here before you decide whether or not you want to check it out, or check it out and then read it from cover to cover.

By the way, this level is still the quiet zone.  Those breaking the rule will be given a stern Shhhhhhh!

Lower Level:

This is kind of a multi-use level, but it all ties in.  First off, a coffee shop.  It's a great way to bring more people in and how about you add the fact that it's only open to those who have library cards.  Good quality fair trade organic coffee, pastries, soups, seating for groups and singles.  And it's NOT Starbucks or Caribou or any other chain.  Privately owned by local business-folk.  

The children's book collection.  Beanbag chairs, murals on the walls, puzzles, activities, places for reading and daydreaming.

Finally a multi-use room for readings, book clubs and lectures.  

And to tie it all together, the friendly knowledgeable staff of librarians.  They love what they do, love books, they're not early twenties hipsters and not too old to know how to do a Google search.  They can suggest a great classic or let you in on the latest new release and they'll probably know of that rarely-heard-of magazine that has an article that would clinch the "A" on your research paper.  I'd be happy to volunteer to be the first one...long skirt, glasses and all.

It would be an inviting place to go.  A place you wanted to spend your time.  The more time you spend there, the more books you read.  The more books you read, the more time you spend there.  It's a great idea!  We'd get more people with the coffee, the right atmospheres for the different functions of a library and we might even get a few extra guys who are looking for the librarians.  How could we lose?

Does anyone want to help me out with this?  We'll need more librarians...