I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks

by Gina Sheridan

From a patron's missing wetsuit to the scent of crab cakes wafting through the stacks, Sheridan showcases the oddities that have come across her circulation desk: encounters with local eccentrics; bizarre reference requests; and heart-warming stories of patrons who roam the stacks every day.

• ISBN10: 1440576246
• ISBN13: 9781440576249
• Publish Date: 31 July 2014 (first published 4 July 2014)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Adams Media Corporation
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 160
• Language: English

Reviews

[wcs53]

This was a quick, funny short read I borrowed from the library. It’s a collection of true stories/incidents from a librarian, most of which are funny and/or unusual. If you need a laugh or are looking for something showing that truth is often stranger than fiction, then give this one a go. The author also has a blog where she shares many of her day to day happenings at work if this short collection is not enough for you.

[Liz (Bent Bookworm)]

For bibliophiles everywhere. Not all of us have the privilege of helping others wade through the stacks in search of knowledge (of life, the universe, and everything), but most of can appreciate the tales contained in this little tome.

I spotted this while meandering through the stacks at my own public library, and the title caught my eye. I flipped through while standing there and added to my already heavy armload of books - and as soon as I got home I started reading (not going to lie, I was also cheered by the fact that this was a book I could finish in about an hour and help with my reading challenge).

Gina Sheridan is hysterical and seriously needs to write some more books (I only found one other!). She writes about her experiences with library patrons in a humorous but caring way. While yes, to an academic, many of the experiences she has are roll-on-the-floor-laughing funny, some people will probably prickle at a few of the technology-challenged anecdotes. While definitely finding the humor in her job - even at times when patrons have attempted to threaten said job - Gina clearly cares about her people, as evidenced by the several anecdotes dedicated to a persnickety patron named Carol.

There are also several anecdotes that left me positively teary-eyed, like the time Gina explained to a young patron new to the States, that she could pick any book she wanted and it wouldn't cost her family a thing. The wonder of a child with a wealth of books suddenly open to her - I just wanted to hug her.

Wish it had been longer but love I finished so quickly (how's that for indecisive, eh?). 4/5 stars due to feeling like some of the stories really needed more background, but were hilarious even out of context.

[MurderByDeath]

Ok, I thought this collection of anecdotes from librarians was hilarious.  Hilarious enough that I laughed out loud several times and tortured MT with more than a few of them.   I know a few readers thought some were having fun at someone else's expense, but honestly I didn't really pick up on that.  The one chapter devoted to a single, named, person was included with that person's full knowledge and blessing, so I was ok with it (if she was, why not me?).  That might say more about me than the book though, so ymmv.   It's a small little book, but it packs a lot of chuckles.    "I laughed so hard I fell asleep."

[Nicole Lynn]

Loved this little gem of a book! I found it humorous and light hearted. It was a nice little collection of stories. More of a review to come!