I usually do not get called to substitute for this school library too often for they have a list that they rotate substitutes. Usually, I worked two or three nights a month at this location. The duties are about the same as for the public and college libraries for I still reshelve some books back on the shelves, but for the most part I am basically just running the vacuum over the carpet and dusting the furniture and shelves. As I was in the far back corner, I heard that all familiar phrase just like my other nights.
"Read the Book. Read the book." I wondered what the book would be come the end of the shift. I decided to go to the little office behind the circulation desk for the librarian left a little paperwork that still needed to be put into the computer. I heard the whisper again "Read the book. Read the book." As I was cleaning the library classroom from wiping down the tables and chairs and washing the blackboard I started to think about several books at this level that could help me with what I was currently working through.
Moving along through the night I thought I heard voices even though I know some would be the night cleaning crew and at times they will invite me to join them during their break time. Me and them have to be done with our work by 3AM for that is when security takes over. After I came back to the library to make my final pass through the shelves and wiping down all the computers for the coming day I heard "Read the book! Read the book!" I finished the last few computers and then looked around for the 'the book'.
I felt a push towards the section of the library where the books for the late elementary students grades 4-6 could be found and I saw Jeff Kinney's first book about a young student coping with growing up just as we all did back in the day. I guess the voices of the past wanted me to remember things really do not change as we grow up into adults.
About the Creator
Mark Graham
I am a person who really likes to read and write and to share what I learned with all my education. My page will mainly be book reviews and critiques of old and new books that I have read and will read. There will also be other bits, too.
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More stories from Mark Graham and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Back to School
Who remembers reporting to school on that first day of school? Walking into those freshly waxed hallways and classrooms, catching up with some friends that you haven't seen all summer. Then, the bell rings and you head to your homeroom and find your seat and seek out your schedule to see what kind of year you are going to have with happiness or trepidation. All the days as it has done for years starts out with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation followed by morning announcements. Welcome back, everyone and let's have a great year!
By Mark Graham6 months ago in Fiction
Miss Persephone's Manual to a Seemingly Ordinary Life
Miss Persephone was found at the dining table, her blue eyes swollen, her tears arriving and retreating like the tides of the ocean. Earlier that day, her family had visited her in the retirement home where she had lived for eight years. It was her eightieth birthday.
By Imola Tótha day ago in Fiction
Comments (3)
A fine bit of wisdom there. 'Things really do not change as we grow up into adults' This was nicely detailed. The job seems to be a fun one, especially when there are voices. References to the famous book, 'diary of a wimpy kid' a step backwards into the past, can be comforting. Maybe it can get us to understand the future and the present better. Maybe it can get us to see that we act just like children sometimes. 🤗♥️
I love the concept behind this piece (and series, I think). What a great idea!
I missed these read the book stories. I enjoy them so much wondering just what the next one will be. Thanks for sharing Mark 📕✍️🏆🏆🏆🏆