Eseme's Den

There is much to be said for living in a small town.

On the one hand, everyone knows you. This is a bit of a problem if you need to do something like buy lurid romance novels without the whole town speculating (I'll just book-shop elsewhere, it's not like we have a proper bookstore anyway).

On the other... people know you. I went into the amazing little kitchen store when I was in town for my interview. I remarked on their Stonewall Kitchen items (gourmet food company from Maine) and they asked where I was from... I mentioned the interview. The next time I go in, after moving, they ask if I got the job and where I am living. When I needed some yummy Roasted Garlic and Onion Jam for my pasta sauce... the owner went in the back to look for me, and found some. When they started serving coffee and other hot drinks, I was the first person to order a Chai. When the started making sandwiches and I called up to order one on Monday when I had no lunch... they asked if I wanted Chai too.

People know you and your preferences and it is nice and personal.

People know their library staff... and are utterly wonderful to us. No really- someone dropped a padded envelope in the bookdrop- with the words "Happy Easter Library Staff" on it. Inside was a bag of jelly beans.

The second week I was here, I was told Friday afternoons that I could grab some cookies. A patron brought them in for the staff. How utterly cool is that? They were still warm from the oven. Two big plates of them- warm oatmeal raisin cookies- homemade. Some of our patrons miss making cookies for their kids and the grandkids aren't in town often enough... so they make cookies for the library.

Life is good.