Over the Counter #220

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner?

Well how could it not catch my eye!? I too work at a public library! And I absolutely had to read this one cover to cover.

 I've often said to my co-workers after an 'interesting' interaction that we really should be writing this stuff down. Or when you're asked 'how was your day at work?" you're never without an answer that isn't run of the mill.....

Well, Gina Sheridan also works at a public library - and she did write them down. The result? I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories From the Stacks.

Sheridan has used the Dewey Decimal system to catalogue her stories into chapters. Entries include overhear conversations, questions at the desk, behaviour that isn't perhaps meant for public view, memorable patrons and more.

I found myself nodding at almost every entry, having encountered or experienced much of what Sheridan describes in my public library service (and some from my time in a bookstore as well) You really can't make these stories up. Friends and family's replies to a repeated anecdote is usually  'no way!' 

I enjoyed this book as I have an 'insider's' view. But it may be eye opening for the public to peruse!

Kudos to Sheridan for collecting and immortalizing her stories. My only complaint? The book is quite short - only 160 page and I finished it in about and hour and a half. I would have liked more!Maybe I will start writing down my own stories for volume two.....

You can find more at Sheridan's web page - iworkatapubliclibrary.com. Also on Twitter and on Facebook.

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)