What’s It Like To Move To A New Work Space?

Library Moments brought to you by Librarian K

About a month ago I started a temporary stint at the Shirlington Branch Library.

It would be a lie to say I wasn’t nervous. Of course I was! Who wouldn’t be? It’s a larger branch than Cherrydale, which means a larger collection, a larger staff, and different patrons.

Luckily for me, the staff here are fantastic. They know their jobs well and do them well. Their knowledge and kindness have made my transition seamless. I’ve also had other colleagues stop by or call to see how I’m making out at the “big” branch. They’ve come or called from across the system – Westover, Central, Columbia Pike.

Patrons from Cherrydale have stopped in to say hello and patrons that I haven’t seen in quite some time recognized me from their days at Cherrydale. One mom stopped me and said “You used to do story time for my son when he was just 3 months old.” Her son is now 3 years old.

It is so nice to know that I have so much support. But what has made this transition so amazing is the kindness of the patrons that are new to me. Many of them have noticed a new face at the reference desk or roaming the stacks. They have gone out of their way to say hello and introduce themselves to me.

Each person here at Shirlington has shared his or her own drops of wisdom – letting me know where the best coffee place is (Peet’s) or the best lunch spot (Cheestique or Hula Girl) or which part of the collection is the best and why.

I hope to earn more of these drops of wisdom while here.