Wow, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a librarian in Hedge-End, right? Yeah, that little town in Hampshire, UK. You know, the one with the roundabouts and the occasional sheep wandering about? Anyway, let me tell ya about today.
I woke up late. Classic me. Alarm didn’t go off. I jumped outta bed like a madman, threw on whatever I could find. I think I was wearing mismatched socks. Who cares, right? I dashed outta my flat on St. John’s Road, barely had time for breakfast. Just a granola bar. Not even a good one.
So, I’m sprinting to the library, dodging kids on bikes and old folks with their shopping bags. I swear, if I had a quid for every time I nearly tripped over a dog, I’d be rich. Anyway, I finally get to the library, and guess what? The fire alarm’s blaring! Like, seriously? It’s 9 AM!
Turns out, some kid thought it’d be funny to pull the alarm. Not funny, mate! I was fuming. I mean, I love my job, but come on! I had a whole stack of books to sort. And now, I’m standing outside in the cold, waiting for the fire brigade.
While I’m waiting, I see my mate Dave from the café across the street. He’s got this massive grin on his face, probably because he’s not stuck outside like me. I shout over, “Hey, Dave! Got any coffee?” He just laughs and waves me off. Rude!
Finally, the fire brigade shows up. They check everything out, and it’s all clear. Phew! But by then, I’m already late for my first storytime session. Kids are gonna be wild. I rush back in, and there they are—little monsters bouncing off the walls.
We read “The Gruffalo,” and I’m trying to keep them engaged. But one kid, I swear, he’s more interested in his snack than the story. I’m like, “Mate, focus!” But he just grins and munches away. Kids, man.
After storytime, I finally get a breather. I head to the staff room, and guess what? Someone’s left a half-eaten cake in the fridge. I mean, who does that? But I’m not one to waste food, so I dive in. It’s chocolate, and it’s glorious.
Then, outta nowhere, my boss walks in. She’s all serious, and I’m like, “Uh-oh, what did I do now?” Turns out, she wants me to organize a book fair. In two weeks! I’m like, “Two weeks? Are you mad?” But I can’t say no. So, I’m nodding like a bobblehead, trying to hide my panic.
The rest of the day is a blur. I’m running around, trying to figure out logistics. I even have to call the council about using the park on Hedge End Road. They’re like, “Yeah, sure, but you need insurance.” Insurance? For a book fair? Ugh!
By the time I’m done, it’s nearly closing time. I’m exhausted. But then, as I’m locking up, I see this old lady struggling with her bags outside. She’s on Grange Road, bless her. I rush over, and she’s like, “Oh, thank you, dear!” I help her carry her bags, and she starts telling me about her cat.
Honestly, I could’ve listened to her for hours. She’s got this twinkle in her eye, and I’m thinking, “This is what it’s all about.” Helping people, connecting, ya know?
Finally, I get home, and I’m knackered. I flop onto my couch, still in my mismatched socks. I think about the day—fire alarms, kids, cake, and an old lady’s stories. It’s chaotic, but it’s my life in Hedge-End. And you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing.
So, here I am, typing this out, still buzzing from the day. Tomorrow’s another day, and who knows what’ll happen? But I’m ready for it. Bring it on, Hedge-End!