Man, what a day! I swear, being a librarian in Valenciennes is like riding a rollercoaster. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m walking down Rue de Famars, and I trip over a cobblestone. Classic me. I’m like, “Great start, genius.” But whatever, I brush it off. I get to the library, and it’s packed. Like, where did all these people come from? It’s a Tuesday, not a weekend!
So, I’m helping this kid find a book. He’s all like, “I want the one with the dragon.” I’m thinking, “Dude, that’s like half the library.” I finally find it, and he’s like, “Nah, I wanted the one with the blue cover.” Ugh! Kids these days, right?
Then, outta nowhere, my coworker, Marie, bursts in. She’s all flustered, talking about some art exhibit at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Apparently, they’ve got this painting that’s worth a fortune. I’m like, “Cool, but I’m stuck here with dragon boy.”
Lunchtime rolls around, and I’m starving. I head over to this little café on Rue de la République. I order a croque-monsieur, and it takes forever. I’m sitting there, watching the world go by. People are rushing, cars honking, and I’m just like, “Chill, it’s just lunch.”
Finally, I get my food, and it’s amazing. Like, cheesy goodness. But then, I spill it all over my shirt. Great. Now I look like a walking cheese factory. I’m trying to clean it up, and this old lady at the next table is just staring at me. I’m like, “What? You’ve never seen a librarian in distress?”
After lunch, I head back to the library, and it’s even crazier. A group of teenagers comes in, blasting music from their phones. I’m like, “Dude, this is a library, not a club!” But they just laugh and keep going. I’m losing my mind.
Then, I get a call from my buddy, Pierre. He’s like, “You won’t believe what just happened!” Apparently, there’s a protest happening at Place d'Armes. I’m like, “What for?” He says something about the city wanting to cut funding for local art programs. I’m fuming. Art is life, man!
So, I decide to take a break and check it out. I rush over, and it’s wild. People are chanting, holding signs, and I’m just standing there, feeling all the feels. I grab a sign that says “Save Our Art!” and join in. It’s empowering, you know?
But then, it starts to rain. Of course it does. I’m soaked, but I don’t care. I’m shouting with the crowd, feeling like a rebel. Then, I see Marie again, and she’s got a sign too! We’re like a duo now, fighting for art in Valenciennes.
After the protest, I head back to the library, dripping wet. I’m exhausted but happy. I sit down, and dragon boy comes back. He’s like, “Did you go to the protest?” I’m shocked. “How do you know?” He shrugs. “I saw it on TikTok.” Kids these days, I tell ya.
Finally, the day winds down. I’m closing up the library, and I can’t help but smile. It was chaotic, emotional, and totally unexpected. But that’s Valenciennes for ya. Full of surprises, cobblestones, and a whole lotta heart.
I head home, thinking about tomorrow. Who knows what’ll happen next? But I’m ready for it. Bring it on, Valenciennes!