Silly Hat Day

Yesterday was BCPL's staff day. The theme for the day was “Stress less…Enjoy the Rest" and to that end, we all received mini back massager toys and enjoyed a speaker, Rosanne Torpey, who spoke to us about laughter, silliness, perspectives, and stress. She spoke about how we all need to lighten up, rely on our technology less, be open to different perspectives more, and not forget to take that 30 minute walk or laugh break.

While on vacation i had a moment of clarity about my life and how i had let work and other things start to dictate what and how i do things, instead of keeping myself in control. I decided to return to work with my new attitude and infect everyone with it. As it turns out, i came home and got sick so i kept the infecting piece to myself for a while.

Then on Sunday, at a friend's baby shower, the brother of the father was making balloon hats for the few kids that were in attendance. Of course, i had to get one. I got a specially made "Level 10 Zany" hat and ring.

And, as if i hadn't gotten the point already... the keynote speaker yesterday kicked things into high gear for me and today i came in to work and announced that next week (during our department meeting) was going to be Silly Hat Day. To emphasize the idea, i've been wearing a newspaper hat i've had on my shelf for a year. I've already gotten many "thank you for making me laugh" comments from around the building and it's not even noon.

If there's one thing i've learned from my father (well, really there's tons) is to not take yourself too seriously. Life is too short to take things, especially yourself, seriously. Wearing a silly hat, or bringing a rubber chicken to a meeting (like my dad is known for doing) reminds people that we're all human, we're all in this together, laughter is good (and healthy) and allows people to be silly which helps force the tension out of your body and your mind.

Silliness and laughter really does make you feel better. Go ahead, try it now. Laugh. Even fake laugh if you have to, it will still work just as well. You'll feel your muscles relax and you'll be more centered to continue on with your day. You know it's true- you can't throw a ball while you're laughing can you? No, cause you're too relaxed!

I think it's important that even as a service like this one, spread out over an entire state, we all create a sense of community and fun. After all, life and work should be fun otherwise what's the point?

So won't you join me in Silly Hat Day on Wed, Oct 21st? Let your silliness be infectious! Upload your picture and post it on flickr, twitter, in the comments here or email me and i'll put them on the AskUsNow! flickr page in a private area only your fellow AskUsNow! librarians can see.

Thank you goes to Beth in Howard County, for prompting that this idea go beyond the walls of the building.

Update: a pool on flickr has been created if you'd like to upload your #sillyhatday photos there!

Julie's "Listening Tour"

My job is to help you do your job better. As I mentioned at yesterday's liaison meeting, I'd like to propose a "listening tour" where I would make myself available for face to face meetings with liaisons and providers at a time, place, and arrangement that will be most convenient and beneficial for you.

This is an opportunity for liaisons and librarians to ask questions- anything from troubleshooting to AskUsNow! mission to higher virtual reference vision questions- ANYTHING that is on your minds. The goal here is to make sure that you- the folks on the front lines- feel connected to the project, feel comfortable with your part in it, and have an opportunity to be heard. I want to know how I can help you succeed.

I know everyone is very busy and it is hard to get people in the same room at the same time. This is all going to be very informal and structured however you decide will be best for your group. If you already have a meeting planned and you'd like be to be an agenda item, I'd be more than happy to be.

My only request is that you keep in mind I'd like to visit folks that are close together around the same time, especially if you're far away from the Balto county area. :-)

Please let me know if you're interested and if you had any ideas on possible dates.

Thank you!