San Francisco Public Library...dim-witted rude staff annoy! Turf 'em out!

 



Though San Francisco has a stunning main library - stocked with a raft of precious beautifully-bound books (and comfy environs to relax in) - the experience is often spoiled by overbearing library staff drunk-with-power anxious to exert their limited authority over the patrons.

For example, although tourists and locals alike are invited to avail themselves of computers (at taxpayer's expense) to check e-mail and surf the Internet for a myriad of legitimate reasons (travel info, research materials, etc.), snotty clerks will invariably trot up and rudely make a point of reading the riot act in respect to the rules and regulations (without provocation).

"If someone is waiting, you  have to step aside," one little fart - with stupid written on his forehead - barked at startled guests this afternoon on the fourth floor of the downtown facility.

Duh!

The folks were abiding by the rules and the intrusion was unnecessary!

It's bad enough that library management has deemed it necessary to number the chairs in the waiting area in bold ubiquitous lettering (in case anyone gets confused, folks!) and thought it of dire importance to post a set of juvenile instructions on the wall so that patrons may be able to fathom (!) how to sit in regimented sequence while waiting their turn.

OMG!

Just because these losers in the employ of the Library were obviously toilet-trained too early - and are too dumb to figure things out - doesn't mean to say it is so with intelligent, well-educated individuals, who frequent the facility.

Notwithstanding, it's obvious to any fool who saunters into the "Main" - as Herb Caan referred to it in his daily column in the morning paper for years - that this institute of learning (!) is overstaffed with a gang of lazy lay-abouts bent on picking their noses and scratching their fat asses all-day.

No matter, that the City's budget is straining in these tough economic times, and in need of trimming!

I say, turf out half of these idiots, and make the others toil (rustle up some sweat!) to earn their pay cheques.

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Staff too lazy & stuck up to assist patrons!

Librarians...not all sweetness & light! LA TIMES article lacked ethics in journalism!

Nasty Librarians preside over computer lab at Riordan showpiece!

I chortled out loud when I read the article in today's LA Times which blamed the "homeless" for disrupting the otherwise serene environs of a handful of the local libraries in LA LA LAND.

Granted, a few of the hapless individuals referred to have distinctive offensive body odors - and the desperate are inclined to haul their worldly possessions into the hallowed halls of the world of catalogued literature - for want of a place to stow 'em.

For the most part, though, the outcry is unfounded - an unjust promulgation by a posse of snotty library personnel who are too ignorant to fathom (make intelligent sense of) the root of the problem.

In the films of yesteryear (one old classic - "The Music Man" - springs to mind) librarians were oft singled out - as a handful of classy women - who epitomized all that was sweetness and light!

The old hags who preside over the City-run premises - in this era - leave a lot to be desired in the personality department (for starters).

In fact, a couple of the Latino staff - short, fat, crawling with nasty eruptions on the skin (who haughtily preside over the computer lab in the downtown Library with an old evil-eye in all directions) - give credence to critics' arguments that the so-called "caretakers" should never be granted too much power in respect to the decision-making process (especially when it comes to determining who is entitled to avail themselves of the services therein).

Indeed!

To become a full-fledged librarian an individual is required to painstakingly toil over books and earn a degree or two.

And, if the system had its druthers - also be required to display a modicum of personality, wit, knowledge of literature, semblance of intelligence (even a tad bit of charm) - you name it!

However, the losers at the libraries in town - who boast a GED or a course or two at the local community college (egads, what a joke!) - fall short in that regard quite honestly.

Hands down, Mr. Mayor!

In fact, it shocks the sensibilities.

Most of the losers I am referring to are under the mistaken impression that because they hold down a job on the counter (or at a lowly desk next to the loo) that they have the right to be called a bona fide custodian of books!

Go figure.

From my experience (based on an occasion-or-two when I have trekked in to the Beverly Hills Library or the fancy-schmancey facility in Santa Monica to seek assistance at the desk) few, if any, appear to be overly anxious to get off their fat butts and offer up any worthwhile assistance to the patrons!

And, that is the crux of the problem, really.

As the old saying goes:

"There are too many chiefs and not enough Indians!"

Due to budget constraints, libraries are currently being forced to limit services - and, in some cases - close their doors a day or two a week to make ends meet.

Part of the reason for the "financial crunch" is obvious to anyone with half-a-brain or an ounce of reasoning power.

Let's face the ugly truth!

The library is overstaffed with low-life employees - "lay-abouts" - and "do-nothings".

The City should turf out half-of these jerk-offs and demand that the remaining few on payroll earn their salaries!

Shame on the Los Angeles Times for its lack of fairness and ethics in journalism - and the eyebrow-raising report on a set of distorted circumstances - they have concluded has reeked havoc of late at the local libraries.

For those who missed the misguided poorly-written article?

It was a one-sided account of things  - penned by a reporter - who didn't even bother to interview any of the individuals (the homeless) cited as the disruptive force that now threatens a once-sacred refuge of the past:

The Public library!

Nuff said!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Marian the Librarian
(The Music Man)

Justin Bieber...Sneak peak at Book on short sweet life! Sigh! Gush!

Bieber secrets revealed in upcoming bio?

Fans anxious to gobble up every (gush) conceivable detail on the life & times of Pop Idol - Justin Bieber - will be stampeding to bookstores in October when his populicious Biography appears on crowded book shelves.

The bio - aptly titled "My Story" - will be a short foray into the realms of his accomplishments (very short for obvious reasons) and capitalize on his cutesy persona.

Uh-huh!

According to People Magazine - the Bible of Celebrity Status - there will be a myriad of captivating photos.

Ah!

The life of a young heartthrob chock full of shots that turn-up the volume on all of the fan hysteria, rife with snippets of OMG reactions, as well as in-depth (!) one-on-one interviews artistically-packed alongside truckloads of scintillating publicity stills.

Or, as Justin noted in his own passionate message to fans in a press release.

"Lots of exclusive photos just for you. Love Justin xxx."

And, won't fans be thrilled to learn about Justin's favorite color, what the kid from Canuck-ville likes to chow down on at dinner, and - drum roll, please - the kind of woman the boy-toy is inclined to make out with in the back seat of his souped up Jeep.

Die-hard fans can also expect insider peaks at Bieber on tour backstage (hanging with buddies) and out-front on stage performing live revving up hearts, as well as impromptu revealing shots of the Bieb at high-profile par-tays and red-carpet events!

Think of it as a Chapter 2 venture - after all, Bieber just-released an album (My World) - in which he poured out his heart with a bevy of  Hot! Hot! Hot! creative and musical musings.

An added bonus?

Sexy Bieber's book (to be published by HarperCollins) will include tidbits about the teen's love life, including details on his first date and what turns him on, and whether he's a virgin.

Just Kidding, girls!

You'll have to discover that on your own, I expect.

 
 

The mentor that inspires Bieber's beat!

 

http://www.julianayrs.com

San Francisco...Chinatown librarian lacks empathy or compassion!

City Librarian has no common sense!

On the outside, the Chinatown library fits right in with the neighborhood, in respect to architectural style and period design.

Inside however, the cozy - but cramped space - has been enlivened with a few practical modern  renovations that allow the eye to flow through with ease.

Unfortunately, the natural light - that struggles through a couple of the only unboarded windows above, is insufficient to elevate the space to a decent stature in the city proper in the overall scheme of things.

As a result, mediocrity reins the day in that regard.

The furnishings (is it my imagination or have they been crafted in miniature?) are spindly and sparse - and hence - uncomfortable for anyone over the age of thirteen or fourteen to relax into comfortably.

The librarians are crunched into a little nook that belittles them in the eyes of the patrons who wander in off the street.

In view of what transpired today, I expect bad karma is the reason for that.

For example, around 5:45 p.m. in the afternoon just before closing, a book-lover strode over to relieve himself in the unisex restroom.

When he found the door locked, he assumed that it was occupied, so sweated it out.

Sometimes the old bladder just cries out for instant relief, 'ya know?

A few minutes later, a clerk strode up to the xerox machine to shut it off, when she spied the patron waiting patiently at the door of the water closet (he's an English bloke).

At this juncture, the young lady persed her lips a tad, then pointed out that the facility was usually locked up fifteen minutes prior to shutting down the library for the night.

"Check with the Librarian," she shrugged without any sympathy.

So, the hapless tourist walked over to her desk, a bit anxious now since an emergency might be in the offing if he wasn't permitted access to the facility soon.

Unfortunately, the young Asian lady didn't converse well in English, so at the offset there was a communication problem.

"Men's room," the dude tried to convey with his hands in a desperate effort to hasten the urgent matter along.

"Closed at 5:45," she coldly responded.

Her lack of empathy - and  failure to recognize the obvious (which underscored her low IQ and lack of common sense) sure-as-heck surprised me.

Don't they urinate or do No. 2 in Asia?

Surely she understood the dilemma, or was she really that clueless?

I thought it ironic that a librarian who handled books and publications daily - that dealt with enlightenment and knowledge (and the all-encompassing flow of documented wisdom of the great minds of this or any other century) - was totally unfamiliar with the meaning of the word "empathy".

Empathy
–noun

1. the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.

2. the imaginative ascribing to an object, as a natural object or work of art, feelings or attitudes present in oneself: By means of empathy, a great painting becomes a mirror of the self.

Nor, did she show any compassion, in spite of the fact she was charged with the authority to overlook the rule on occasion, and provide much-needed relief for a tourist in need.

Compassion
–noun

1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

For starters, she was obviously not a Christian!

It was bad enough that the city employed a woman who primarily spoke a foreign language, to the disadvantage of the locals and tourists born in this country, who had a problem communicating with her in a facility backed by U.S. tax dollars.

Further, her failure to respond to an obvious need, underscored that the woman in question was not only unqualified for her post - but, bottom line - lacked the experience and basic intelligence to carry out her duties professionally as well!

Shame!

Insulated Chinatown out-of-touch with reality

http://www.julianayrs.com

San Francisco Public Library...funds wasted on slovenly guards & incompetent staff! Clean house, Mayor!

At a time when local, State and Federal governments are cutting funds - especially in the area of health services where they are crucially needed - the downtown library continues to expend untold sums of money on a security detail and front end staff (clerks, wannabee librarians, book-sorters, and assorted hangers-on) that are a waste of tax dollars.

Frankly, it's somewhat shocking to saunter into the Main Library and spy a half-a-dozen or so overweight guards, shuffling along with scowls on their faces, intimidating patrons( as they wander aimlessly about trying look busy and in charge).

These ill-bred losers are under the mistaken impression that tossing on a poorly-fitting monkey-suit and tarnished badge gives them the right (and authority) to push folks around when nothing could be farther from the truth.

It's sad when you consider that a large percentage of the visitors they harass needlessly (due to ignorance and misplaced egos) are street people who seek a little shelter from the storm for an hour or two each day.

Staff in other departments are just as bad.

Quite a few of these undeserving workers generally loll around on their fat butts during a shift - where the precious hours are predominantly wasted on selfish pursuits - as the county payroll clock ticks away.

Yessir!

Quite a few hours are expended during the course of the week, checking e-mail, catching up on personal reading, cruising web sites for the lastest gossip on celebs (you name it).

God forbid a partron should waltz up to their station to ask for assistance.

They'll pause for a moment, give the guest a squinty-eyed look, and appear to be lamenting inside heir demented twisted minds:

What the fu** are you bothering me for?

Yeah, you're only filling up space, darling.

If Mayor Gavin Newsom is serious about reducing the number of homeless on the busy city streets, then I recommend that he cut about half of the budget at the Library, and put those ear-marked funds towards truly helping the needy by providing warm beds and a hearty meal for their gut.

Then, they wouldn't have to hang out at the library all day and be constantly insulted by ignorant guards and ne'er-do-wells who are under the mistaken impression they are bona-fide librarians with an ounce of intelligence.

I expect that once a dozen-or-so unnecessary staffers and security guards are shown the door, that the city may finally realize an increase in productivity, at the library.

Who knows?

Once the remaining sticks-in-the-mud are prodded off their butts, and pressed into service to fulfill the duties they were hired to perform originally, a scant one or two of  'em might just end up thanking  the Mayor for helping them burn off a lot of excess fat around their waists, butts, and lumpy God-awful-looking thunder thighs.

Yeah, what we need at the library are more lean efficient machines, and less of the lethargic pig-headed dimwits who are in employ there now.

Amen!

Peek-a-boo!

(what you see is what you get)

http://www.julianayrs.com

San Francisco...Mark Abramson @ Books Inc! Synchronicity abounds with Russian River Rat author...

Yesterday was an intriguing day, but auspicious signs during the course of it, signalled I was on the right path and where I was meant to be according to the cosmic design.

Early in the day, when I was unable to locate the LA Times, I settled for the San Francisco Chronicle which I plucked up at the local newstand.

As I quickly gleaned the pages, I spied an iintriguing article on disappearing Sea Lions in San Francisco Bay, which I clipped out to refer to for a potential post later in the week on the environment.

The rest of the day's schedule filled up pretty quickly - and the energy expended to keep abreast of it - ended up rustling up a craving for munchies around 7 p.m.

As I scoured Market Street for an inviting diner to slip into, I spied Books Inc, and thought I'd pop in to snatch up the Times (to read over dessert).

For the first time on this visit to Frisco (after searching high & low for the Los Angeles daily) a cashier at the back desk finally informed me that the newspaper did not have a distributor in the tony Bay area.

So, I was SOL.

With a sigh, I started to turn away, when I noticed a gaggle of fold-up chairs uniformly placed around a small podium in the center of the backroom.

Just as that image caught my eye, I suddenly realized that customers were strolling in and taking seats, for what appeared to be an in-house literary event.

The cute staffer informed me that writer Mark Abramson - who penned the popular "Beach Series" tome - Russian River Rat - would be reading a few paragraphs from his latest (as yet unpublished)  offering.

Unfortunately, I was not familiar with the author or his celebrated book on the Russian River hot-spot.

In fact, I'm probably the only the single male to have never trekked up to the popular resort for a week-end of camp.

I've heard all the - gossip, rumors, and innuendo - though.

All true, I gather from trustworthy sources (oh, yeah!).

As it turns out, that morning the Chronicle mentioned the event - but for some inexplicable reason - I didn't stumble across it (just the report on Sea Lions).

How ironic!

As the - witty, outgoing, middle-aged author prepared to read excerpts from "Snowball" - he chortled in an aside that the manuscript may have to undergo some judicious edits before the publishing phase, if the Sea Lions continued to vanish from the bay.

Apparently the delightful sea creatures play a major role in uncovering a macabre twist in the plot.

Talk about synchronicity!

At this juncture, soothed by the realization that I was where I was meant to be at that given moment in time, I settled in for a very entertaining night at the bookstore.

The author was blessed with a packed house - in fact - several fans of his reading style were forced to stand (due to a lack of chairs) as he delighted us all with excerpts from - not only the new book - but from old favorites other book-lovers in the cozy nook were familiar with.

Then, there was a special surprise treat.

Mark pointed out that a publisher back east was interested in his "Diaries" which consisted of entries that stretched back a few decades.

So, he was inclined to read a couple of highly-personal notes from those intimate "memoires", fortunately for his enthusiastic fan base in attendance.

Abramson selected a couple of entries from January 7th (1975, I believe) because that was the date of yesterday's book-reading.

It was going to be interesting to learn what was on his mind the same day so many moons ago.

Imagine that!

The musings all focused on his first attempt to join a writer's group (early on in his literary career) and his hand-wringing about this 'n that - what to toss over his muscular bod to attract a trick and which choice poems to select to best represent his style (in that order!) - and so forth and so on.

As to last night's venture into celebrity, well, he was warmly received by the surprisingly down-to-earth cross-section of gay men who casually-strolled in totally devoid of attitude.

On occasion, Mr. Abramson's interaction with the rapt audience was highly personal in nature.

For example, he chatted a bit about the A.I.D.S. crisis when it hit the Castro like a ton of bricks, and touched on the havoc it caused initially.


Some of the unforgettable experiences inspired his writing, naturally.

For example, he introduced one character - in his cast of many - who became affectionately known as the "bug chaser".

At one point in the early days of the outbreak, older gay men in the throes of various stages of the disease, commanded a remarkable outpouring of love from a compassionate community anxious to reach out and provide comfort in the hour of suffering.

In response to that, a curious phenomenon arose in the gay community, which was shocking to some.

A number of young gays (18-24 age-range basically) felt left out - after all, in neighborhoods like the Castro, West Hollywood, and elsewhere - those stricken with the killer virus were taken into the fold at support groups and hands-on treatment centers and were even provided with free prescription drugs for a myriad of ailments and funding to defray housing costs.

Subsequently, these hapless misguided kids actively sought out older gay men afflicted with the disease, to infect them (willingly or not).

Shortly after that strange episode in gay history, the producers and writers at "Queer as Folk", actually incorporated that disturbing manifestation into a major plot line on the highly-popular cable show.

The ratings skyrocketed, of course!


During the course of the readings last night, there were a number of humorous moments, as well.

The unassuming writer (who - like many S.F. dudes - shaves his head) joked about white sheets referred to in one chapter.

A couple of the guests reacted in a knee-jerk Martha Stewart kind-of-way.

"Who buys white sheets," one roared!

In response, Mark - quick on the uptake - chirped up.

"Well, I figure, if ever there was an emergency, you could wave them to attract help."

Of course, this triggered an old memory from my past.

A lover and I were strolling through a park years ago (not telling which one!) when nature's beauty was inclined to romantically sweep us up into each other arms.

 So, we thought it might be a touch risque - and a real adrenalin rush - to lay down in the grass and smooch a little in the bright mid-day sun with Mother Nature's bounty serenading us all around.

Right-off-the-bat, we figured we'd better go off the beaten path (so to speak), and far from the madding crowd.

Curiously, when we hiked up towards the peak of one hill, the foliage diminished somewhat - and eventually - consisted of mainly low-lying shrubs.

Oh well, we were far enough away from prying eyes, that we figured we would be able to snuggle-up without any unexpected intrusions on our intimate moment in the park.

Unfortunately, my friend was wearing bright white undershorts.

Wouldn't 'ya know it, just as we were in the midst of our clinch, we suddenly heard the thunderous roar of a whirly-bird.

We jumped up and scanned the skies to determine if it was nearby.

Turns out, it was the Channel 5 News helicopter (normally used to chart the afternoon rush-hour traffic for the news anchors at the station) heading right in our direction.

OMG!

They must have seen the white flash of his skivvies hanging ten from the bushes below and thought someone was crying out for help!

Well, quick as a wink, we were buttoning up and scooting down the slope to high-tail it outta there.

I intended to tell the story to Mr. Abramson after the readings, but he was busy signing books (so I passed).

Hopefully, he'll stumble on this post, and have a good laugh!

For the most part, the event ran like clock-work, though I did have some frustrations when I was video-taping Mark Abramson for this post.

Unfortunately, a gentleman who plunked down in a seat just ahead of me and slightly to the left, spoiled some of the tantalizing footage.

Gosh, he was not unlike some extra on a movie set in Hollywood, who tries to get his mug on camera - and in the process - ends up upstaging the star.

When he noticed the video camera in my hand, for instance, his behaviour got downright bizarre.

At first, he half-turned in his chair, to try to get his profile in the shots!

Then, at one point, he actually bent over - smack dab in the middle of the lens - and took a moment to re-tie his running shoes!

Duh.

Was he there to actually take in the precious moments being offered up (for free) by the author - or - simply there to be ever-mindful that  his bootstraps were properly strung up?

On a couple of occasions, he also made a point of glancing at items on a shelf to our right.

When I looked over to see what was allegedly catching his eye, I was taken aback to see the items mostly consisted of toys (and games) for kids.

Pervert, perhaps?

Gosh, it was just a ploy to get on-camera!

At one point, I was tempted to lean over and point out that his inconsiderate behaviour was ruining shots I intended to post on the Internet to promote the author and his books.

In a nutshell, he was destroying golden opportunities meant for the writer, alright.

But, since I am a bit of a fatalist, I struggled through the sorry scenario without uttering a peep.

So, when you take a gander at the videos provided at the link(s) below, you'll understand why the author is closer to the left frame (and not centered).

I was trying to prevent the nutty fruitcake from weasling  his way into frame!

If  'ya notice a blur or two on the videos -  yup! - that's bits and pieces of his body parts (arm, head, etc.) floating in and out of the frame erratically which caught me off-guard.

Life in Baghdad by the sea, eh?

Mark Abramson reads entries from "Diaries"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7OwLLiTsUU

Mark Abramson reads excerpts from "Snowball" & other material

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VlMmGEtGvs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt_W16OmP4o

http://www.julianayrs.com

LA Times Festival of Books...Michael J. Fox, Henry Winkler, Brook Shields, Gore Vidal, & Tori Spelling to appear! April 25th & 26th...

Well, if you're an autograph hound, or like to hang around celebrities, the Festival of Books kicking off this weekend at UCLA (April 25th & 26th) is apt to provide a lofty climb or two.

The big thrust, of course, is on a myriad of publications from all genres - from kids' illustrated books, to romantic novels, and rare comics - that will be artfully displayed in picturesque tents about the well-manicured grounds.

In addition, the spotlight will be tossed on a thought-provoking series of panel discussions, and high-profile celebrities who will be heading them up.

Got to lure John Doe in the gate, somehow, eh?

Well-known actors like Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future), the Blog Queen (Not Perez Hilton, silly) Arianna Huffington, and a handful of popular radio talk show hosts and columnists will all be touting something or other like snake-oil salesmen.

Like you, I'll be front-row-center, devouring all the delicious offerings.

Entrance to the Festival grounds is free.

Golly, a number of the panel discussions are gratis, too.

However, it is important to note that while a handful of tickets for indoor panel events are free, they must be picked up in advance at ticketmaster.

Drats!

Those blood-suckers are going to charge 75 cents a pop for each ticket scarfed up!

There will be six outdoor stages, as well, where in-your-face stars such as Tori Spelling (spoiled little rich girl, I expect), Maureen McCormick (Brady Bunch aficionado), and Oscar-Winning actress Cloris Leachman will kick up their heels.

Who knows, in view of the fact the Festival is strewn about such a wide expanse on UCLA campus, the seasoned pros may turn up in sensible walking shoes!

I'll cast a blind eye in that event, ladies!

The sponsors are reminding book-lovers and celebrity stalkers alike to drag along a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bottles of hydrating water ((especially in view of the fact the mercury has been soaring in recent days).

See 'ya there!

Info: http://www.latimes.com/festivalofbooks

http://www.julianayrs.com

Greater Los Angeles Writer's Society...Beyond the Draft panel discussion. October 18th!.

Calling all writers!

Professional editors and writers from the Greater Los Angeles Writer's Society are holding a panel discussion on Saturday October 18th which is open to all writers and the general public.

"Beyond the Draft (The Final Art of Editing a Novel)" will be a focus on how to turn a writer's rough draft into a masterpiece worthy of publishing.

"Every writer knows the first draft of anything from a short story to an epic novel needs polishing," one panelist noted in the teaser which arrived by e-mail this past week.

Is the whole process "part luck" and "part Voodoo"?

Find out for yourself.

The program commences at 3 p.m.

The Greater Los Angeles Writers Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring writers on all levels in the craft of writing, providing continuing education, and a forum for the marketing of their work.

This mission is in concert with the California Writers Club founded in 1909 by Jack London.

The "greater" refers to the general geographic area where most of the members are located - and not to any claims of "grandness" - their promo for the event joked.

In fact, the association not only welcomes writers from all over Southern California, but all kinds of 'em as well.

They extend their reach from aspiring students to best-selling authors, from industry professionals, to a dabbler in the throes of learning their craft.

Their motto is a simple straightforward one.

"Writers mentoring writers of all disciplines."

GLAWS holds monthly informative meetings - and on occasion - Nationally-known guest speakers turn up to share their expertise.

But, the association also manages critique groups, offers advice in the craft and business of writing, conducts special events (including writers conferences and seminars), and promotes its vision through many business and social opportunities.

General Meetings of the Greater Los Angeles Writer Society are typically held the third Saturday of the month, ten times a year, except during December and August or July when the society holds a picnic or party.

General meetings are held at the Palms-Rancho Park Library in the Ray Bradbury Room.

Info: http://www.glaws.org/

Jack London

Los Angeles Public Library...Ian Rosen one of a few incompetent librarians taking up space!

I chuckled when I came across a notice in a New York newspaper inviting patrons of the local libraries to submit an essay touting a librarian worthy of recognition for their dedicated service to the public.

Well, maybe the staff at Libraries in the "Big Apple" still go that extra "distance" to lend a hand to patrons, but in Los Angeles it is quite rare.

Do you recall the stereo-typical image of the librarian that was perpetuated in the old musical - The Music Man - starring Robert Preston?

Marion was all sweetness and light!

Well, it appears to be all myth.

Step into a library in Los Angeles and you'll encounter a sour old puss - reluctant to get out of her comfy chair - or offer any assistance.

True, the shelf-stuffers are not all "old", necessarily.

A few young upstarts have weaseled their way into the libraries around the lower mainland - but they're too busy polishing their nails and gossiping with their co-workers as they sit on wide fleshy butts - to be of help to anyone.

Two libraries in particular - the one in Beverly Hills and another on Hope Street downtown - are particularly bad for that.

Although these lay-abouts haven't a Master's degree - or even a Bachelor-of-whatever - the dolts are under the false impression that because they're installed at a counter in a lowly periodical section they are full-fledged librarians.

Fat chance!

On occasion, the employee conduct is downright shocking, too.

The other day it was quite disturbing to encounter the blatant incompetence (and bad attitude) of one young male librarian - yes, Marion is often a fella now-a-days - by the name of Ian Rosen (West Los Angeles Library) whose lackadaisical manner was appalling.

At that branch there are a handful of computers that are available for patrons to use in an "Express" capacity.

Instead of signing on with a library card for an extended period of time - the quick-use PC's are available for fifteen minutes a shot - so that visitors to the area (tourists, shoppers, etc.) may check e-mail on-the-go or search info quickly to undertake tasks at hand.

When the fifteen minutes is over - the screen turns blood red - signaling the session has expired. At this juncture, patrons are required to upseat themselves and allow the next person in line to have their turn.

On this particular day - a teen about fourteen years of age - was playing a few games on the computer when his time elapsed.

Although there were patrons waiting - the self-indulgent overweight lad - waited 'til the red screen faded to blue; then, started up a new session with no regard for the other patrons who were patiently waiting for their turn.

Understandably, a patron complained to the librarian at the front desk.

Although the male staffer was a few feet from Mr. Rosen (who was sitting at a desk across the way) he chose to pick up the phone, dial a number, and rustle up Rosen on the other end that way.

He whispered behind a cupped hand that there was a complaint about a patron over-staying his designated time slot on the PC.

Mr. Rosen said "OK", hung up, and then glanced around the room with an odd-ball expression on his face.

He appeared to be uncertain about something and definitely in a quandary.

Frankly, it didn't appear that he was in full possession of his faculties, if you ask me.

After he got a couple of dirty looks from the complainant, Rosen proceeded to rise up from his desk in a disheveled fashion, then strolled behind the computer in question to take a gander at the young man's screen.

At this point, he did a sort-of spastic-like walk back to his desk.

Then, he plunked down in his seat, without accomplishing a thing!

When patrons cocked their heads at each other this way 'n that - and wondered amongst each other what his problem was - he struggled to his feet again.

Again, Rosen cruised by the computer - took a glimpse at the screen on the PC - and did nothing!

Finally, the offending young man got up - after about three successive fifteen-minute sessions were under his belt - and left.

Mr. Rosen demonstrated that day - that he was not only incompetent - but ineffectual in his job, too.

What is the purpose of a monitor at the library, after all?




Mr. Rosen, if you don't know, look the word up in a dictionary.

Golly, there are a heap-load of 'em around 'ya to take a boo at, after all!


Mr Rosen, should have strode over to the patron who was violating the rules - informed him of the complaint - then turfed him from the PC he was hogging to the detriment of other patrons who had a right to access, too.

Instead, the loser did nothing! Jack sh**.

Notwithstanding, in one fell swoop, Rosen managed to lead the young man down the wrong path.

By failing to take action - the scatter-brained staffer essentially impressed upon the ignorant lad - that it was "okay" to break the rules.

And, more importantly, he signalled by his irresponsible (thoughtless) actions, that there is "no" honor in respecting the rights of others.

Mr.Rosen should be let go.

If he can't carry out his duties - or doesn't want to for some inexplicable reason - the Library should ask that he turn in his library card, please.

After all - there are a number of qualified unemployed people in the work force - who would thank their lucky stars to have a secure job like his at the local library.

In these difficult financial times, the local library can ill afford to waste funds on some bump on a log with all the personality and gumption of a worm.

But, the stupidity of Librarians does not end there.

The other day at the UCLA campus, one female employee there demonstrated that she must have an IQ of about 2.

During the course of the day - a student moved a lightweight armchair from one section of the library over to the computer banks - since the small stools there offered up little comfort.

Yes - either the library staff know nothing about proper posture - or don't care if the students have proper seating facilities as they nurture their brains.

Anyhoo - when the individual finished up with their assignment on the PC - they up and went to parts unknown.

On the heels of their departure - another student innocently happened along - saw the empty armchair and slipped into it with nary a thought.

A librarian proceeded to saunter by and utter a comment that inferred the young man had absconded with the chair from the reference area - and by the tone of her voice - suggested that such an act was forbidden somehow.

When the student noted that the chair was there when he sat down - and summarily offered to release it to her - she responded defensively.

"No. Use it. But put it back when you're done."

Say what?

Why should the dude return a chair to an area he never took it from?

Actually, the librarian was wrong on both counts.

First, she should have checked her facts first - and not assumed off-the-bat that the innocent lad was the culprit who maneuvered the dastardly deed without permission (all this over a lousy chair?).

Secondly, the strident prickly woman was out-of-line to demand that the student return it to another section of the library where it was allegedly taken from.

Not wanting to cause trouble, though, the student proceeded to return the chair to the reference area to appease the librarian.

However, when he did so, three librarians proceeded to stare at the thoughtful student as if he were mad.

Sensing their confusion, he offered up an explanation.

"Someone moved this chair earlier. Since I was sitting in it, the Librarian asked me to return it to this area when I was done," he noted matter-of-fact.

Guess what?

The librarians were at a loss to fathom where to put the chair!

"Oh, put it over there," one agitated desk employee finally directed.

Talk about idiocy.

Imagine that!

These stupid individuals are actually running this fountain of knowledge!

The blind leading the blind, I guess.

Libraries and their gate-keepers used to be respected symbols of wisdom and knowledge.

Now, they're a sorry joke to contend with whenever you enter the premises.

Gives us a break, New York.
Transfer out some of the high caliber employees you intend to give plaudits to, and save our local libraries in Los Angeles from a terrible fate, here on the uncultured West Coast.