Balloon Lady

We have been in our brand new library building an entire year already! It hardly seems possible that one year ago today the staff and administration met on the front steps to pray together and dedicate the new building. Of course, we had moved into the building a few weeks earlier. The first week was impossible as workmen scurried around doing what they called last minute touch ups and what I would have called "why in the world haven't you done that yet??!!" But what do I know.



There were guys ironing (yes, ironing!) the paneling where bubbles had appeared in places where the glue hadn't adhered properly. There were carpet guys still laying squares behind desks that were still having the marble affixed, computer people running wires, electricians on step ladders with their heads buried in the ceiling panels, and a few painters doing "finishing" work.



There were smells galore - heady, strong and obnoxious to the point where I sent staff home because it was making them sick. Hammers pounded, drills buzzed, buffers buffed. The curious roamed about freely, sticking their heads in doors to 'oooh' and 'aahhhh.' It was something of a circus. I doubted sincerely that we would pull off the official dedication ceremony just a few weeks later, but somehow miraculously it happened.



This year's celebration was much quieter. We still met on the steps outside for prayer with the Provost (new since last year). He and the Library Director said a few words. Then we proceeded to the Fireside Reading Room upstairs for cake and punch. And of course, all the promotional materials we could muster to show how far we have come since we first moved in, all the changes we have made and the services we have enabled, the resources we have added and the changes in response to suggestions from our community.



We ran a digital picture frame with the self guided tour we ran last year. We set up the big screen TV with our LEEDS display (we are a certified green building). We had a laptop showcasing our new updated OPAC, and a ton of brochures on our various services. We had decided on simple decorations - a dozen helium balloons in red and silver.

At least, that's what we intended. It was my duty to pick up the balloons because I had gotten balloons for last year's open house event. I had researched a number of stores to find the nicest selection at the best price, so I knew just where to go. I didn't want to get them too early - no sense having half deflated balloons hanging about. So I waited until lunch time to drive to the store.

There was a short line, and while I waited, I perused the sample balloons plastered on the wall behind the counter. Yes, there were silver and red balloons. This should work out OK. I patiently waited while the gentleman ahead of me asked the clerk to ring things up separately, bag them differently, paid with some sort of gift card/voucher combination, and chattered about nonsense.

When at last he concluded his business, I stepped up to the counter. The young lady at the register stood looking down at the floor. I wasn't sure what she was doing, so I waited until she looked up. I was excited about getting the balloons, but it quickly became apparent that she wasn't.

"I'd like to get a dozen balloons please." Deep sigh, no response.
"I'd like six silver ones -" "We don't have any silver balloons."
"But you have one on the wall-" "We're out."
"OK. Well, I'll take six of the red round ball-" "We don't have round ones in red."
"But-" "They're gone. We don't get another shipment until next week."
"What about that one?" I pointed to a red balloon hanging on the wall. "Its not round. That's heart shaped."
"OK, let me have six -" "We don't have six left."
"How many do you have?" "Five."
"OK, I'll take five. Do you have any black-" "No."
"What's that silver one in the drawer there?" "Winnie the Pooh. You don't want it."

Her answer were like bullets fired from a rifle. Short, staccato, and to the point. She had not looked at my face even once. Each balloon she filled was twisted shut with a vengeance. Obviously she was not fond of having to sell balloons! When at long last I left the store, sans anything approaching a smile, look, or hint of customer service, I clutched 9 meager balloons - red hearts and white stars. It would just have to do. I hoped the rest of the staff would not be disappointed. I did let the wind blow across the bouquet, hoping it would cleanse the sour spirit from them.

Later that afternoon as the celebration was winding down, I thought about the unhappy young lady at the balloon store and wondered what was making her life so miserable. I could only imagine why someone so young would be so unhappy. I said a prayer for her. And for the customers she would "help." Maybe tomorrow would be a better day for her.

As for me, the best part of the anniversary celebration is that I still love the building and find my spirits lifted every day I go to work, just by the beautiful surroundings. Maybe the balloon lady should come and visit!