Saturday, November 11, 2017

Celebrating New Learners


     Celebrating with Ruth Ayres and others today. Come visit to see how wonderful it is to celebrate the good things in one's life! This week especially, I want to celebrate Ruth's new book Enticing Hard-to-Reach Writers. It is a special book!

The view out the window.

A view of part of the store. There is more and a
full basement of shelves of books, too.

Just a glimpse of what's on the
shelves today.

      Working at the bookstore with the volunteers and the customers is a lot like working with a class. Each person is unique in what they need, each one tries to be kind and helpful. I'm beginning to know certain customers. Some like to talk about books, while others give me a wave, and move on past me into the store to browse or to look for a specific book. There are quite a few volunteers, some work weekly on one shift; others work only once a month, and for those really new, it's a challenge to remember so many details every four weeks. Today I stayed with a volunteer for the final part of her shift, did some other needed work, but sat and visited, answered questions, gave tips, and asked for her opinions too. I remember how nervous I was at the beginning. I had never run a charge machine before. I didn't know all the areas/topics in the store and didn't know the pricing either. There are so many details to know, just as students must navigate new expectations. Students at least get to know their teachers, but those "selling" at the store even once a week struggle to learn it all fast. Although they can call or email me most any time, and I send an email once a week to the group, they are on their own most of the time, learning how to run a bookstore! 
      Many of the volunteers are retired, although some who work on weekends are not. I celebrate the volunteers today because they give their time and energy to keep the store going, and they are willing to take new learning challenges. I am grateful for them all.

8 comments:

  1. Your bookstore seems like a bit of paradise. Definitely worth celebrating. All those volunteers ready to learn and to give of their time and energy. And I'm amazed at the books that appear in the store - spotted Booked, Amelia Bedelia, The House of the Scorpion, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Where the Wild Things Are, and Goodnight Moon.
    And now I'm curious about what's on the end of the shelf of children's books. . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some people who donate seem to clean out more than I think you and I would, hence the great books available. At the end is a case full of homemade jewelry, created by one of our long-time volunteers. She is really amazing, having her annual craft show soon, is known for repair, too! So, aside from books, we sell the jewelry and also artists' original cards. You do wonderful volunteering too, you know, at the library and for your church. Our lives wouldn't be as good without volunteers, right? Thanks, Ramona!

      Delete
  2. I agree with Ramona - that book store looks like such a treat to be in and work in. A lovely effort (for running something like that takes SO much effort!) to celebrate today, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a lot of work, but also much fun, Tara. Thanks!

      Delete
  3. What a wonderful place! So amazing all the work and effort -- and so magical too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Working in a bookstore-what a joy, Linda. I like how you compared your feelings of working there with how students feel. Learning curve? Right. Off to NCTE17 and a poet friends' meet-up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Carol. I know you're busy! Have a wonderful time at NCTE!

      Delete

Thanks for visiting!