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A patron came up to me at the desk in a very good mood at the Youth Services desk a few minutes ago, and told me it was her first time in our library. I think she actually said that it was her first time in our "wonderful library"! She had just received an Internet Only card and used her time for the day, and wanted instruction on how to reserve a computer for herself the next time she came in. I showed her how to reserve a PC. She said that she was grateful for the fact that we allow people without permanent housing to use the Internet, and she was excited to be able to find permanent housing soon and be able to check out books too. She said that she hasn't experienced many libraries that allow people to use computers even without an address, and she is very happy that we do.

She also came back to ask another question, and phrased it, "Does our library have a water fountain?" I love that she used the word "OUR!"  Submitted by
Sara Lachman, Librarian – Youth Services

On September 6, we had an after-hours workshop here on Re-Romanticizing Your Relationship, led by Dr. Sheela Stocks and Betsy Bergquist MA LMHC, two local mental health practitioners specializing in couples counseling. About 30 people showed up, half of whom were new to the library, to take advantage of this free opportunity. The presenters led group activities, giving couples dialogue scripts and tools for communicating gratitude, needs, and appreciation to each other. Patrons who came alone were encouraged to pair up, as strangers, but instead of sharing the things they loved about their spouse, they were told to communicate what they loved about themselves to their partner. Kelsey Smith and I (Emily Vineberg) paired up together, and we were able to "flood" each other with thanks and kudos. The flooding dialogue involves telling your partner things that you appreciate about them, and how them how it makes your life better. So, for example, I was able to point out to Kelsey how great she is at her job, how thankful I am for her extensive knowledge of books, how much I learn from her every day, and how cool she is and how much cooler I feel just by being associated with her, as her friend and colleague. And, because of the formal script, she was not allowed to deny the compliments or put herself down. She just had to sit and take the adulation. The workshop participants were crying tears of joy, looking into each others' eyes, holding each others' hands; opening up to each other and hearing thanks for things that they didn't realize were noticed. It was an incredibly touching, emotional, heart-wrenchingly sweet program. By the end of the program, the couples that came together were sitting closer, holding hands, laughing, and beaming. Straight up beaming. It was adorable.

Emily Vineberg, Library Associate – Adult Services