The computer repairman has come out several times, but there hasn't been any improvement. There are eight computers that go online. They added a username/password protected WiFi for library patrons last Wednesday.
Partons have been complaining that our library only offers storytime for pre-school age kids- nothing for older kids, teens, or adults. While at the staff meeting, I offered suggestions for free things to offer to get more patrons in (for example- showing Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy tomorrow for Towel Day, or doing a book/writing club). The children's librarian freaked out and said it wasn't my place to say anything because I don't have a Masters degree in Library Science. I used to be a volunteer with Girl Scouts and was a trained event director. I also planned events for the Society for Creative Anachronism group and helped my aunt out at her summer camp for kids. All they do for storytime is read one maybe two stories if they are short and have the kids do the Tooty Ta dance. The kids have stopped coming for the most part because they hate it.
I have been planning a medieval faire to be held in the later part of June at the main library for months now. I got an e-mail today from the library director saying they are going to cancel the event for a variety of reasons. They didn't elaborate. I had everything planned- they didn't have to pay for anything. It was going to be mostly storytelling, music, dancing, and playing games to keep costs down. Crafts were paper based and I was donating the paper and other craft supplies (bought during back-to-school promotions and leftovers from scouts). The local Society for Creative Anachronism group were going to come out. It was going to be a lot of fun and I had a bunch of patrons that said they were really looking forward to it
. They are re-doing the way we get paid at work so that one check is only going to cover a couple of days and then I'll have to wait almost a month for the next check. I'm not going to be able to pay my bills on time when that happens. I also found out they are hiring in the main library for the equivilent of my job and they are paying $11 an hour where I get $8.25.
I have strep throat and my psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis is really flaring up.
I might be moving soon. I live with my Mom and her hours at work have been cut back. Our electric bill is $900 despite only having the oven, fridge, internet plugged in all the time and occasionally the tv, an alarm clock, lamp, and my computer. We do the laundry at a laundromat. The power is out in half the house and we can't afford to pay the deductable to have an electrician come out to fix it. I'm trying to find an apartment or place to rent near where Mom works, but most of the stuff isn't online and what I have found is out of our price range. Section 8 isn't taking applications anymore as their wait list has over 2,000 people on it according to the newspaper.
I've been searching for another job, but there is nothing out there for someone who hasn't finished college, has limited mobility (back injury while stocking plus joint pain from the arthritis), and can't drive. My former jobs include being a photographer, front-of-house food service, and being a cashier/stocker. I tried applying for disability a year ago, but was denied.
I don't know what to do anymore. For the past few weeks, the only things keeping me sane was planning the Medieval event and caring for my pets.
Hope it doesn't continue and you have a better day today.
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