Working in the middle school boys’ library is anything but quiet. Every day brings a new reason to smile.
One day, a very earnest 6th grader came up to me and asked, “Ma’am, where are the Sherlock Homeless books? It took me a second to realize he meant Sherlock Holmes.
I corrected him gently, but the seriousness on his face made the moment unforgettable.
I think even the great Sherlock Holmes can become homeless sometimes…at least in a 6th grader’s imagination.
Then there are the boys who lower their voices and ask in a conspirational tone, “Ma’am, can we trade our used books for new library books?” I can’t help but see future businessmen in the making in them, plotting deals over the MineCraft series.
Sometimes I also get dragged into the never-ending Messi versus Ronaldo debate…
Of course, without my consent. I end up taking sides just to keep them happy and the peace intact. Even though during the FIFA games, I’m happily asleep in my bed, because why waste my sleep?
But I must pretend before the boys that I am invested in every goal, just a librarian’s little survival trick among the young adults.
Between mixed-up book titles, secret book trades, and football loyalties, working with middle schoolers keeps me laughing and young….at least in the mind!!!!
In a library full of books, these moments become the stories I cherish most.
Reema Sony -Librarian – Boys Library (Middle School)
