Checked Out: Cinderburg Part 26
We’d spent the better part of six months suffering through the hiring freeze and the same amount of time without a teen librarian. We were entering into our fourth month without a manager. But whispered rumors swirled and gained momentum that the hiring freeze would soon come to an end. My colleagues got caught up in the news. I couldn’t trust it yet.
In fact, I didn’t trust it until Gary came to the branch one day with the head of the children’s department from the Central branch.
I was rushing to and fro on various in-house errands when he asked me to come in the vacant manager’s office.
I did so, surprised to find the guest there. Seated in one of the three chairs was Lacy, a middle-aged woman who fancied full circle skirts and cat-eye glasses.
“I just wanted to update you on some progress we have made,” Gary began, settling into the seat on the other side of the desk. I hunkered down next to Lacy.
“It’s looking more and more likely that by November we’ll be able to start filling some positions.”
I could feel the life coming back to my eyes and a smile start to grow.
“Really? Which ones?”
“We’re holding off on the teen position. We’ve got a few internal candidates in mind, but they won’t be eligible until after December. But we will have a manager for you by November. And you should be able to start interviews for your children’s assistant in a matter of weeks.”
I was ecstatic. Finally, the hope of a full staff was back.
“In fact, I wanted to talk to you about the manager. We’ve offered the job to Lacy here, and she’s accepted. How do you feel about that?”
Lacy darted an almost imperceptible glare at Gary (probably for putting both of us on the spot) before smiling tentatively at me. I had seen Lacy lead a few children’s meetings by this point and had enjoyed myself thoroughly. She had a demonstrated history in working in children’s departments, so she understood the workload of children’s librarians deeply. I was thrilled. I finally thought I’d have a manager who was an ally for once.
“I think it’s a great idea!” I said, sincerely.
I could sense Lacy’s relief. She’d been worried I wouldn’t be happy.
Gary told me to ask any questions I had.
“Ok, um… Oh! If I’m going to get approval to hire a new children’s person before you get here, am I the one making the decision on who to hire?” I asked, “Like, I’m on the hiring committee. I’m interviewing the people. But is the ultimate decision mine or yours? How involved are you supposed to be? How involved am I supposed to be?”
Lacy nodded her understanding.
“I want you to choose the person you want to choose,” she said, “Build the team you want. You know this department better than I do and you’ll be the one leading it. You’ll make the decision.”
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said.
We discussed a few other things, like a potential start date and where Alicia would go once a new hire came aboard, and then I was dismissed.
I left that meeting feeling more bouyant than I had in weeks. Months! I could only hope reality would actually meet my expectations and my picture of what work could potentially be like in a matter of months.
Next time, I start planning with my team on these staffing changes.
Until then, I remain…
-C Quill
