I always deny this when I’m asked by new people I meet. “Oh no, we’re always busy in the library. We don’t just sit there and read books or file our nails. You’d be surprised.”

But I can tell the truth here. We rarely have an entirely quiet day but it’s possible to be at the issue desk for ages without queries. If Boss Lady saunters by then we try to look busy.

Today, however, was not a quiet day.

I expected as much because we’re short staffed right now, for two reasons.

Boss Lady is on her annual skiing trip. This year it’s some place in the Dolomites. I assume these are mountains, I never paid attention in Geography class.
Linda is on a go-slow.

Not a strike action by the union. No, this is how Linda behaves w...

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