Lost in the Library

Ever been lost at your place of employment?

It can be a little embarrassing.

This happened a full two weeks ago, but I needed time to recover before writing about it.

The library hadn't opened yet. And I was lost in the labyrinth of staff hallways - the back end of the library.

I wasn't truly lost - there aren't any libraries that big on the westcoast - but my difficulty was in navigating an unfamiliar workplace where hallways lead to or actually pass through workrooms and offices that have imposing titles or else no signage what-so-ever. I had the sense that I was trespassing, particularly clad in my bike shorts and tank top, trudging along with my panier and helmet, staff badge in hand. Hmmm...Public Relations Department - I think if I walk through here, I may find the entrance to level 3 - hmm....there is a man glaring at me...maybe I'll just turn around and take another route. I have since been assured that walking through work rooms is not an issue. Just do it.

To make matters worse, when I encountered an unfriendly security guard in the dimly lit back hallways, he tersely replied that I would have to just go into the public part of the library to find my way. He strode off without indicating which direction would actually lead to the public area. Once in the public area, I asked another staff member who was marching purposefully through the library, for directions on how to access the staff area that I needed (my badge didn't work). She glared at me and said, "Do you work here?" Okay. That was rude. I have a badge. Plus the library hasn't opened yet. What do you think? Basically she was saying in code: "Are you an idiot?"

What a wonderful way to start the day! All I wanted to do was change into working clothes before the front door opened to the library and the public started streaming in to find an empty reference desk. Yes, on-call librarians are definitely at the bottom of the food chain.

My only satisfaction was when half an hour later, the evil unfriendly woman walked past my reference desk and did a double take. Yes, I look I'm sixteen when I have a bike helmet on - but oh, the transformation with a blouse and skirt - yes, lady I work here!