My Dad always groaned when he returned to work after our summer holidays. “Off to the Salt Mines”, he said, with a sigh. I think I was eight when I asked Mum what he did in the mines. She laughed for ages and then explained he worked in an insurance company. I was stunned and a little disappointed. I’d hoped he would meet the seven dwarves as those were the only miners I knew. Then I asked what insurance meant and my poor mother wasn’t laughing anymore. It’s a tricky concept to explain to an eight year old.

Today I returned to my own salt mines - Castle Bailey Library. I didn’t encounter any vertically challenged co-workers, unless you count some of our younger readers wanting to check out their story books.

Boss Lady was the first to arrive after I opened up. &l...

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