Looky Loo

Sitting at the reference desk at a public library is sort of opposite from working in a cubicle. Instead of being cordoned off from those around you in a little grey box (are cubicles always grey? They are in the movies, where I get most of my information about the world), your workspace is right out there in front of anyone who happens by. People can see your computer screen, which means no looking at embarrassing websites. And I'm not talking about porn, I'm talking about fansites with clues on figuring out "Lost." No kicking your shoes off or taking a power nap, unless you're really ballsy. You're right out there. Spotlight on you. Hello gorgeous!

Yesterday a little girl came by during a quiet moment at the reference desk. She was maybe five years old. She sat in the chair across from me at the desk, and just looked at me. I did each of my various opening bits for little kids. These include "Hi," "Do you have a question?", "Would you like a sticker?", "Would you like to find some books to take home?" She cheerfully gave me the shut-down on each of my attempts. Her mom strolled up after a minute and said "She just wants to watch you type, and any other work that you're doing, if that's ok." So that was it. For about five minutes, I silently worked at my computer and this little girl watched me like a tv. Librarian performance art. I'm sure she was thinking about how my actions portrayed the postmodern decline of the Industrial Age. Or that my outfit looked fly except for the ugly staff badge I have to wear. Perhaps she was concerned about the ergonomics of my chair. I guess I will never know. After a few minutes, she climbed off the chair and was on her way. Not as riveting as Tinky Winky, apparently. Maybe had I showed her I could sign like Koko the gorilla, I could've held her attention and maybe even drawn a crowd that included Betty White, Robin Williams, and Tippi Hedren. If Koko can entertain, so can I, people.

Kiss the rings, I'm out.
Librarian Girl