Chapter Eight: The First Day:

My first day began with reshelving books. Heather took a cart, and I took a cart. I thought about trying to get to know her a little bit more. But first thing was first. I had to get through this day and ignore my phone blowing up. I looked down at the cart beside me. It didn’t take me long to fall into a rhythm with putting away the books. I felt so old looking at some of these covers. The Like Poky Puppy. Madeline. American Girl books. Captain Underpants. Nancy Drew. Most of these books were really and still in good condition too. I think that the oldest one had to be about the early 1900’s. I don’t really know to be honest with you. I remembered my summers spent when I wasn’t at the beach. I’d get lost in these books for hours. My mom would have to physically pull me out of the children’s section to take me home.

That led another thought crossing my mind. I looked over at Heather.

“How often do the kids come in here?” I asked.

“Not many,” she said, not looking up.

“Oh,” I said. “Distracted by electronics, huh?”

“You can say that,” Heather said. “At this rate, I don’t think I will have much of a job any longer.” I gave her a confused look.

“Why is that?” I asked. She sighed and dropped her shoulders.

 “Everyone is reading with their phones and tablets now,” she said. “Not many kids are into sitting down and reading anymore. I don’t think that the library is going to be around any longer. Same with book stores. It’s all going to be digital.” That made me feel little bit sad. I almost wished that I hadn’t asked that. It might be a better idea to change the subject now.

“Think we’re going to have a busy day today?” I asked.

“I doubt it,” Heather said. She didn’t sound so convinced. This wasn’t going to do.

“Have you been advertising it?” I asked. Heather looked up at me.

“Excuse me?” she asked.

“You know,” I said. “Advertise it on the internet or something.” Heather tilted her head.

“I could do something right now,” I said. I pulled out my phone from my pocket. I brushed away the text notifications to unlock my phone. I went in and brought up the Facebook app.

“See?” I asked. I tapped the app. Heather quickly looked around.

“Are you sure you should be doing this?” she asked.

“Sure. It’s fine,” I said. She didn’t look too convinced.

“See, look,” I said. I tapped the screen again. The keyboard popped up for the text.

“Out volunteering at the Wellfleet library,” I said as I typed. “Summer reading program to start…” I looked up at Heather.

“Tomorrow,” she said.

“Tomorrow,” I said while typing. “See you then.” I smiled as I hit post. I held up my phone with triumph.

“See?” I asked. “It’s so easy.” My phone buzzed in my hand. I shoved the phone back into my pocket, grinning the whole time. Heather stared at me for a moment.

“You sure this is going to work?” she asked.

“Of course!” I said. “Social media is the way to go for this kind of thing.” We looked up when heard the bell jingling above the front door. Looked like it wasn’t going to be a show day after all.

“Show time,” I said. I spotted two boys standing in the doorway. One looked about fourteen while the younger one looked about eight years old. The older one was holding a skateboard to his right. The younger boy ran inside.

“Slow down!” Ms. Washburn shouted. The boy slowed down as he made his way to the desk. The older boy walked up while he heard his skateboard by his side. Ms. Washburn started talking to them right away. I nudged Heather in the arm.

“See? There is still hope for the library yet,” I said.

“Maybe,” Heather said.

“Think they will join the summer reading program?” I asked.

“We’ll see,” she said. Yeah, we’re going to have to do to that. I’d still get a few weeks to do that. For now, I had to get through this first day. I smiled as I picked up another pile of books and put them on the shelves.