Tale o' the Twister

I worked this weekend. 20 minutes after opening, the power goes out. A definite inconvenience in a modern library. I was still able to locate the Tempest, the Hobbit, and the Giver. I just couldn't check them out.

The policy is to escort patrons out if we have a prolonged power outage. Sorry, scouts. No pack meeting today. Oh, oops, can't take off the massive room deposit. Out with you munchkins and take your neckerchiefs with you. All other patrons out-check.

Alarms blaring, weather radio chattering unintelligibly. What's that? A tor-na-do warning? Nice. We just sent the patrons out of the library. Step 2 call the manager. No cell phone, no pager, no go. Step 3 call the electrical company. Wrong number, get number, very helpful prerecorded message about a power outage in our area. Moving right along, we were herded into the public restrooms. Did I mention I live FIVE minutes away? I can sit in a dark public restroom with my coworkers or go home and relax in my very comfortable basement. Against "the list's" sage advice, we didn't stay in the bathroom. Next, we tackled the blaring alarms- with no light. The brilliant person in charge took care of the alarms by the light of our emergency cell phone. No flashlights.

Where are my ruby slippers when I need them? There's no place like home. There's no place like home. Two and a half hours after my shift began, I got my wish.