Happy 8th Anniversary Stand-Up Librarian!

Library before (2015) and after (2018). 

In this eighth year of Stand-Up Librarian, I am wrapping things up at the library and trying to decide how to move forward.  I admit to being slightly lost and confused as I have gotten away from performing and writing – things I always thought were pretty important to me – and instead, allowed my on-again/off-again job at the library and my on-again/off-again relationship with my boyfriend to both occupy most of my time. It’s understandable I guess, you think something is done and you start to shift gears and then they pull you back in for one reason or another.  However, now as I sit here for my once a year post, I am ready to put myself first again. I’m just not sure how to do it anymore. I guess I will get back to you next year with the results.

Completing the Gracegate Library this year was quite the accomplishment for so many reasons - most of which weren't included in the two articles written about us (but thanks again to the Tampa Bay Times and Tampa Bay Newspapers for their wonderful pieces.)  After all, the library was my work – every item catalogued, labeled, shelved and loved by me - so as a result, I had become pretty attached to the place over the past three years.  But despite my hopes to have a future here with the place full of people - ideas and plans I offered my boss numerous times as my background is in public relations, event planning and literary/library programs! - he reminded me over and over that he only hired me to catalogue and assemble the library, making it clear to me my work was done...or until he calls me to catalog more things he bought.  Not exactly a gig you can build your life around, right?  So as I put the signage on the walls and made sure all 10,873 items were perfectly in place on the shelves, I took a few photos and walked out the door.  What happened to the place wasn’t up to me anymore.  Like a lot of things in my life right now, I needed to put the experience in the archives and move on.

Thanks to having pretty consistent work for several years, I finally had enough money saved to take my dream vacation to London to celebrate my birthday last October…and I did it alone and it was literary awesome!  I had gotten my Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play ticket almost two years before and booked a tour to visit the film sets in person and both were as magical as this muggle anticipated.  The British Library launched their exhibit Harry Potter: A History of Magic the day before my birthday and as a aspiring writer, what a thrill it was to see J.K. Rowling’s manuscripts and handwritten plans in person.  Of course, I visited the Sherlock Holmes and Charles Dickens museums and had drinks, dinners, and walking tours at so many literary spots. Tea parties at Claridges, Browns and Mr. Foggs were must dos as was seeing my favorite British comedian Ricky Gervais.  It was all a reminder that being alone really isn't so bad after all.

 

Two other things that have brought me incredible joy over the past year are my cat Finnegan and scuba diving.  

Finn continues to be the best cat ever as he loves the outdoors walking on his leash, spending time with his dog friends and tolerates me putting him in costumes at the holidays.  He truly is a model cat and not just because he works as one showing off my pet harnesses and bow ties at my Etsy shop (my best seller being the Fantastic Beasts harness – thank you my fellow Harry Potter fans!)    

Getting certified in scuba back in March of 2017 was something I had wanted to do for years and now I wonder why I hesitated - I absolutely love it!  In the past year, I have done some twenty dives all around Florida and found beautiful seashells and swam with sharks, sea turtles, and even a Goliath grouper larger than me!  I hope I can continue to explore our oceans for many years to come.  Maybe someone is looking for a Scuba Diving Librarian?  Now that would be cool.

So for now, I will get back to applying for library jobs, sewing my literary (and scuba diving) fashions, and writing a new book (not to mention, editing the one that has been done for years...what a procrastinator, huh? haha)  

As always, thanks for joining me on this journey and as the great Charles Dickens' wrote "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."

Meredith

Happy 7th Anniversary StandUpLibrarian.com!

Seven years has gone by since creating Stand-Up Librarian, and did I celebrate? No. I worked at the library and went to bed early. Now I know how married people must feel. In the beginning, it's all champagne toasts and blog posts but after seven years, you are just grateful to still be around. 

And I am!

I've been working at the library for over two years now, spending the past year cataloging DVDs, Blu-ray discs, vinyl records, and as of this week, I start working on the CDs.  That's like over 5,000 items!  And the cool thing is I have done most them from home on a laptop computer.  Oh, the perks of technology.

Stand-Up Librarian Designs is going great as well.  Thanks to adopting an adorable cat that likes to walk on a leash (more on that below), I started making pet accessories!  And my Finn is the perfect model.

 

I am also very proud to share - in honor of this 7th anniversary - my first ever jewelry item! A personalized open book sterling silver pendant that I designed and made in the library jewelry workshop. Yep, my library is very special in so many ways, this being one of them. It is now available at my Etsy shop.

I've still been working on the book but not as much as I hoped with having a full-time library job and fashion business to keep me busy. I did however go back to the Eckerd College Writers in Paradise Writers Conference in January and work on my manuscript with the incredible author Ann Hood. I learned a lot from her and my classmates and from their input, I hope to make some changes that are necessary to prepare it more for publication.

Finally, the most important thing I did in the last year is adopt my sweet cat Finnegan Butterbeer C.K.  named after authors James Joyce (Finnegan's Wake) and J.K. Rowling (butterbeer being my favorite thing in Harry Potter), and my fellow ginger comedian Louis C.K.  Finn has truly added to my life in so many ways from inspiring me to create new things in my accessory line (and many costumes for us to wear!) to teaching me the responsibility of being a parent and most importantly, giving me the unconditional love, companionship and laughter that I so desperately need.  That's not to say that I don't get that from my on and off boyfriend that I have had for almost two years, but when you work mostly by yourself and from home cataloging, sewing, and writing, it can at times be extremely lonely and isolating.  Finn has kept me company by either sitting next to me at my sewing desk or in the box of library materials as I catalog.  Of course, he spends most of his time in the library, sleeping in his book box under my card catalog and even has his own special section where he keeps his book scratching post and all of his cat books. He has absolutely become my muse and I hope to incorporate him in future library events when I have the time to do them again.  Yes, I miss performing very much and I hope when the time is right that I will be back to doing it.

 

For now, I am just so happy that after seven long years, I am still here. If only once a year on the blog but always, always standing up for libraries. I am grateful to be a librarian but nothing makes me prouder than being a Stand-Up Librarian. A word I created seven years ago for a job that just didn't exist until I decided libraries needed one. Thanks again to those who believed in me when nobody else did.  

To stay in touch with what I am up to, you can find me (and Finnegan) on Instagram (Me: @standuplibrarian Finn: @finneganbutterbeerck )which is where I spend most of my time online these days.

Have a great summer!

Meredith
Crazy Cat Lady & Stand-Up Librarian

     

Without My Computer

On Friday morning, I accidently spilled my morning cappuccino on my laptop and thus began an unplanned holiday from technology.

At first I thought being without my emails, Facebook and Twitter accounts would be fun, but then I realized that I didn't have Google Maps to get directions (yep, I am one of the few in Los Angeles without a GPS, so I went on a sightseeing tour of Brentwood just trying to get to my valet job so I could then spend the whole day driving in circles again!)  I also couldn't look up movie times, so I ended up at a 'Mommie & Me' screening of "Bad Teacher" - wow, talk about a scary movie...and I am not talking about Justin Timberlake's acting.  The baby carriages lining the aisles should have been the giveaway that I was in the wrong theatre but nope.  Like an idiot, it took me a whole fifteen minutes to wonder why the lights were still on and every woman in the room had a baby strapped to her chest.  It is enough to hear the babies screaming but to have to see them as well?  Talk about 3D effects.  Breastfeeding live should not be an extra charge for us single folks!

I also went to the beach, and wore what I thought was a sexy bathing suit with funky cutouts in a bright yellow cheetah print.  One guy seemed into it, until I heard, "Wow, that girl is whiter than I am!"  I went home with no self-esteem and a wicked sunburn resembling a spider web across my stomach.  Thanks Victoria's Secret, maybe you should show that in your catalogue!

The only perk of being without my computer was that I couldn't apply for jobs, which also meant I couldn't be rejected for them either!  Score!  Nope, think again.  I am here at the library checking  my emails for the first time in days and San Franscico Public Library had no problem kicking me while I was down, 'While we have never met you, we don't think so," or something like that.

Being without my computer however, has reminded me of how important libraries are.  If they are open, that is, which they weren't on Sunday and Monday when I actually needed them.  Seriously, where can you use a computer if you don't have a desk job to go to?  The library is the only place!  And yeah sure, they are really slow and usually have a creepy guy drooling at you while you try to write on your librarian blog for the first time in an actual library, but look at the positives.  They are free.  Well, for another six minutes.  The timer at the top of my screen is counting down and then I will be kicked off and can't come back since I already used my two hour time limit for the day.  So this is it. The first time I will  not spell check or include cute photos or font that fits with the theme of the post.  I have no video.  I have just my words.

Thank you library.  For reminding me of the so many things you offer us for free each day.  Although I really would suggest some antibacterial lotion for computer number 14 - that guy was REALLY taking advantage of some of the library's free services!

The Meredith Myers Library

It is no secret that I have been very anxious over the past several years to be involved in the library field at some level, which is why I have spent countless hours being an intern and volunteer at various libraries across the country, in anticipation of one day having a paid position on staff.  In hiring myself, it makes complete sense to now open the doors of the Meredith Myers Library!  I mean, who doesn’t want their own library!?!  I am so excited at the thought of using my own personal library to encourage more people to read.  Sure, the mailman seemed about as excited as I was to see that cable bill, but I know he will be back.  After all, it’s his job, so he has too!  And you know what, plummer man?  You are going to read too.  Like a book on how to correctly fix a sink.  

So in Part 2 of "Meredith Hires Herself," Meredith and Meredith discuss the new Meredith Myers Library and what sets this library apart from other libraries…for starters, we have an executive chef!

Although inspired in part by true incidents, the following video is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event, even though the actresses look a lot like Meredith Myers and say they are numerous times. In reality, Meredith Myers is the ultimate professional and takes her job as a librarian very seriously and would never steal office supplies, so any future employers should not let this video affect their decision to hire her. The only thing she is guilty of is having a sense of humor during tough economic times. And yes, parts of this disclaimer was pulled from the "Law & Order" TV show.

Libraries Are For the Birds

What the flock? Apparently a hawk is loose in the Library of Congress and this is when people want to bring some attention to libraries. Oh Poppycock, can someone peck some sense into these people? Where’s Woody Woodpecker when you need him.

For one, the LOC is pretty huge. What bird wouldn’t want to set flight in the vast high ceilings of the beautiful Main Reading Room or soar among the numerous pillars and antiqued art, with a birds-eye view of signage promoting books? This bird is simply smart. What is stupid are the tons of dodo birds called humans who aren’t utilizing the vast knowledge available to them at their local libraries. What the people at the Library of Congress need to do is KEEP the bird in the library if it helps generate some traffic to the stacks. Heck, hire an unemployed librarian to dress up as a bird and have them just perch on one of the pillars if that's what it takes to get people to the library. Jeez, people think!! Use this rare (and stupid) press opportunity to TRAP all living things in the library - who knows what might happen as a result. Intelligence? I know, I'm getting my feathers all ruffled over this but please do yourself a favor and fly to your nearest library before some seagull craps on your car out of spite.

Meredith Smells Teen Spirit at the Palm Harbor Library

When I think back to my days of being a teen, I think of Nirvana. It was 1991 and they had just come on the scene with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and everybody who was anybody had this CD. I would walk around high school with my black leather motorcycle jacket from Contempo Casuals trying to put up the front that I was a real badass, when in reality I was on the honor roll and played the French horn in the school marching band.

When you are a teen, there are many things that you want to be with no idea how to be them, so the library can act as a sanctuary and experimental space for many teens looking to discover who they are in an environment without judgment from parents, teachers or other adult figures. However, while most libraries have designated children’s and adult sections, often teenagers are left without a space to call their own.

At the Palm Harbor Library, Library Director Gene Coppola helped renovate an older section of the library to build a glass-enclosed retro-style area called The Teen Place, where teens can enjoy everything from computers to manga to playing games on the Wii, all while relaxing on a custom-made booth. As if that wasn’t enough, they can also graffiti the walls or play Guitar Hero, but the coolest part? No adults allowed!

So "Come As You Are" and join me as Gene takes us on a private tour of The Teen Space - no ID required!



For more information about The Teen Place at Palm Harbor Library, please visit http://www.tblc.org/phl/library/teens.html

The Book Slot is to the Left

It has been a whole week since our big Memorial Day Blow Out at the library and I am still exhausted at the thought of it. No, there wasn’t a gigantic book sale consumed with endless donated copies of “Twilight” (who hasn't read this thing?) But get this - we had an actual shooting...with guns…at the library! Thank Dewey it was Memorial Day and the library was closed so no patrons or book carts were harmed. But for Carnegie’s sake, who in the Harry Potter thinks it’s cool to celebrate a holiday remembering war heroes by then shooting out the glass doors of the local public library?

Dear Idiot that shot my library,

Oh I get it, my display table of Memorial Day materials was taunting you through the locked doors and you just had to get that copy of “Widow of the South” before your friend’s barbeque. Or maybe you just had to return that “Blades of Glory” DVD before you were charged a late fee of 35 cents. Listen tough guy, the book slot is located on the left, and while times might be tough right now, there’s no Civil War happening out here in this quiet retirement community, so you going all gangster on a branch library with like four slow computers and a broken air conditioner in the conference room, isn’t going to make anybody think you are some version of John Dillinger.

Instead, you are going to look like a big moron because you just went all barbaric on your own house. That’s right – the library is your home too. Unlike those trendy clubs that can enforce the whole velvet rope and dress code to keep your childish activities to the local mall, the library is available to everybody so says the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights that states “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” Personally, I think they should have also added “…and yes, even those idiots who mistake the library for a scene from the video game Gears of War.” So, did you get that genius? It is actually your right to use the library and the vast amount of materials inside of it…for free…anytime you want, but listen, even librarians need a day off - so deal with it. Go get a snow cone. Or make a video for YouTube that nobody is going to watch. I don’t care. Just leave my library alone.

So again, way to go, jackass! Now money that could have been spent on library materials that would inspire and educate you to actually do something with your life (or to purchase Gears of War 3, which I heard is also pretty cool), now has to go to replacing those doors, which were already open to you in more ways than you realize.

Sincerely,
MM

P.S. Please don’t shoot the messenger, the sheriff, or anybody for that matter. Just pick up a book.

The Library Bill of Rights:
http://staging.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/statementspols/statementsif/librarybillrights.cfm

Share|