Today I managed to get books checked out for two people. The first person arrived when the secretary was downstairs, and she wanted to learn how to check out books also. Luckily, the previous librarian had left idiot-proof instructions. The only tricky part was remembering to push the almost invisible button to activate the bar code scanner. I wasn't all that concerned--I could always have just copied the book and ID, like I did for that early-morning grad student last week.

We also had someone researching an archival collection. He had brought his wife, and she looked more than a little bored, even though she had a book. I pointed out the lounge area with the really comfy couches and chairs. I think she was happier after that.

I chased them out of the library about 3:30, because the sky was about to fall--heavy rain. There was one stretch of interstate this morning where the top speed was a bit under 40 mph. ("Normal" is 80 in the far left lane.) One time when I was driving in conditions like this morning my car started to hydroplane. That's another reason I replaced it with a compact sport ute--it's heavier.

My timing this afternoon was just about perfect. I got home in between two nasty batches of rain. My little cat trotted over to greet me, then headed inside for supper. I hadn't replaced the ice chest cover (it was on the chest when I went to bed) this morning, so she at least had snack food today.

The archives person will be back tomorrow. I told him I usually get there before 9.

One of the nice things about the Women's Center library is that it has a LOT of fiction--by female authors. One of today's patrons was checking out a Janice Evanovich novel. These are fun to read, but definitely not in the English Department category of "classic."

It's thundering again, and the weather radar looks like we've got a lot more to come. Just as long as it's done before commuting time.