Phillip Redux: Unemployed/Undeterred

I’m not sure if this statement rings true outside of Southern California, but why does it seem like every public facility — from DMV’s to libraries to schools — was built in the late 1960’s and no further projects were taken on after that? My journey in search of a local library the other day, and a few select titles, ended up with me visiting no less than three different branches. Each location was older and dustier than the first — I think one of them seriously had computers running Windows 95.

It’s just kind of sad to me that these are supposedly some of the only places harboring intelligence and fostering self-education in the community, and it seems like the city hasn’t paid any attention to them in over 40 years. But, I digress.

The first library I visited had less actual books in it than one of those Borders Express locations at airports and subway stations, and instead was overrun with pimply adolescents playing some form of card game with wizards and elves that seemed to get them very excited. I asked the librarian where the classics section was and she pointed me to a pathetic single shelf in the corner. To my surprise, I managed to find the two books I was looking for, On the Road and Breakfast of Champions (which I know isn’t on my list, but I’ve always wanted to read it). I proceeded to the check-out desk only to find out that this was a city library and I possessed a county library card. FAIL. The librarian was nice enough to give me directions to the closest county library, which was about 15 minutes away.

DOUBLE FAIL. The library I was directed to was closed for remodeling — which, despite my frustration for having driven across the city for nothing, gave me hope that maybe some city funds were being funneled into our crippled public library system after all. Posted on the door were directions to the next closest branch, which was another 10 minutes away.

By now, all the traveling and searching had left me weak and disheartened. Actually, no I was fine, just a little peeved at all the hunting around. I reached the third library, which was by far the smallest of them all — literally no larger than the GAP at your local mall. As I walked through the doors, a voice came on the public address system announcing that the branch would be closing in 5 minutes and to bring all materials to the check out desk. Funny, the sign on the door said the hours were “9-8” and it was 5:55, but whatever. I managed to frantically find On the Road but Breakfast of Champions was nowhere in sight. The librarian said they didn’t have a copy at that branch. Sad face. Anyways, after all that wild-goose-chasing I was happy to at least leave with one book.

I did hope for adventures this summer, didn’t I?