Riding in taxis with boas

Hollywood Librarian Scottish premiere last night. I set out dressed to impress: 5 inch heels, feather boa and antique gloves. Yes, and a top and skirt before rumours really start flying. The taxi driver was intrigued and I ended up telling him all about the film and the profession. Was disappointed that no red carpet was put out (not even a PBS reading rug…)

The film was interesting and absorbing. To be honest I’m not really sure what I was expecting - had gone with a fairly open mind. The old film footage was fun but there was too much of it - we’d got the point fairly early on. Although it was nice to be reminded of that lovely film The Station Agent. The interviews were interesting but were definitely biased towards public libraries - we didn’t really get a sense of the cut and thrust of different sectors, nor of any transferability. The story of the Salinas closures and political campaign was well told and made its point. I also found the prisoners’ contributions interesting.

My overriding sense, to be quite truthful, is to wonder why I don’t love my job in the way those librarians all loved theirs. Am I in the wrong sector, the wrong profession, the wrong country? Or have I just not learned to recognise the inspirational moments and to find the heartwarming story amidst the everyday grind?