Providing Access to Information, with a Shovel
December 13th, 2007
Like much of the country today, Chelmsford was hit by the "fast-moving, intense" snow storm. And, throughout most of the storm, my library stayed open.
Even though I do not know what they are, the powers-that-be in Chelmsford Town Hall decreed that we remain open until 5:00 pm. For eastern Massachusetts, that was five hours into the storm, after dark, and after about six inches of snow. Wouldn't it be better to send staff home before the storm, so they can drive home before rush hour, in the daylight, and not in a blizzard? But I complain.
Anyway, we stayed open, and I spent most of the afternoon shoveling the steps and walks, making sure patron still had the regular access to information that it is a librarian's duty to provide. A few pictures from the day are shown here:
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December 14th, 2007 at 3:32 am
Oh my gosh! I’m sorry – but I love the ingenuity (especially the sign). I hope everyone got the information they were seeking via freshly shoveled walkways.
Oh – it was 78 here today.
December 14th, 2007 at 3:33 am
(end gloat) – since the coded version didn’t show up ; )
December 16th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
My sister got sent home right after lunch because she works for the executive branch of the MA Government. Alas the people who worked in the other branches had to stay til 5. At least you didnt’ get stuck in the five-hour leaving Boston traffic jam!
December 16th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
I’m sorry you were stuck in that traffic – especially right after your trip (but it did take me forty minutes to make my normally ten minute drive home).
I heard that the MA Governor sent State workers home by 11:30 a.m., which gave me hope our Town Manager would send us all home before the storm arrived, too. But, since he kept us open (like last year), he must see the library as a vital Town service. I hope he remembers that at budget-cutting time.