I wasn't sure what to expect coming in to the library that morning, I mean my relationship with the head librarian had substantially changed in the last two days. Besides me calling her Denise, which I am not entirely used to, I now need to figure out the whole bit about our sexual relationship. I had pretty much decided to keep myself busy working or once all the work was done, reading in the books she had recommended for me and let her decide if anything else is going to happen.
Working first in the stacks, I quickly got the returned books replaced and completed a quick walk through, dusting here and there, and picking up any stray trash. I then went through the new release section and rearranged the books in proper order and even when through the children's book area and got it looking somewhat orderly. Heading back to the checkout desk I noticed some fresh cut flowers in a vase so I figured Denise must be in.
I didn't see her right away so figured she was probably in the kitchen making up the coffee. Usually arriving to work first I had tried to make the coffee, but not being a coffee drinker myself I really didn't have a clue how to do it. After the first few attempts she delicately suggested that I leave the coffee to her.
Quickly surveying the checkout desk I straightened out the miscellaneous staplers, stamps and pens that were tossed about. It was only then that I looked over to the suggestion box and noticed it the top was not completely closed. During the time I had worked there I had never heard of anyone leaving a suggestion in the box. Most of the town knew Denise and they'd simply tell her what they thought might help improve things.
The suggestion box was used so infrequently that Denise had not even mentioned it during my intense, extensive training period. Anyway, I finished stacking the check out cards and then walked over to the suggestion box. Opening the top I saw a piece of paper neatly folded in the box. Picking it up, I slowly unfolded it and read it.
Immediately a chill ran down my back as I read the words:
"it was decent but too short and u didnt make it flow that well if u get my meaning."
(1) It was signed Anonymous. It seemed obvious to me that this comment had nothing to do with the library or its operation and everything to do with my
meeting
with Denise the day before. I was debating whether to show it to Denise when I heard her voice.
"Whatcha got there? Don't tell me we have a suggestion," she said cheerily.
Realizing that I had to show it too her now I held out the piece of paper saying, "I don't think it has anything to do with the library."
She unfolded the note and I noticed one of her eyebrows raise up as she read it. Walking over to the main entrance into the library she looked over the doors, especially around the locks and hinges. Walking back to the desk she said, "We both know what this has to do with."
"What are we going to do?"
"We are going to run the library like we always do. As for the note, let's examine it. It says