Letter from Penelope, the Library Goose

Dear gentle readers,

This is Penelope, the library goose, checking in. When the staff sent me around the world a few years ago, I signed off from my journeys with the hope that, in a few years, we would be moving into a new library that will better accommodate my quarters and wardrobe.

Well, that time has come. Today is the last day we are open at 104 Spring Street. The next time you’ll see me in the, well, feathers, we will be at our new location on 207 S. Springfield.

We are still negotiating where I will live in the new library, but I have great faith in the library staff to tend to my every need. They keep me well supplied with other bird friends and clothes—I am truly the envy of all my geese acquaintances.

It has been exciting to watch everything behind the scenes as the staff plan and implement the move. I am told that moving the over 40,000 items in circulation will be an even bigger task than moving all my clothes, and I suppose they know what they’re talking about, but I have my doubts. I have a lot of clothes.

They’re also going to be moving programming supplies, some select furniture, computers, and more. I want to lend a helping, um, wing, but I also can’t afford to strain my delicate goose physique. I appreciate the volunteers who have offered to help instead.

I like to sit at my perch on the desk and watch the staff talk to patrons. Everyone is so excited about the new building. The staff have been creating checklists and plans. They have been so busy that they have had to temporarily pause buying new items, requesting ILLs (that’s interlibrary loans from other systems, for all you non-library geese out there), and accepting donations until we are in the new building.  

They have weeded some items that don’t circulate much. You may have noticed the lobby fire sale the past couple of months. If they’d accept goose currency, I would have stocked up myself. Though I guess then they would still have to move it with my stuff, so it really is better that all of you bought it instead.

Though we are all excited about the new library, I confess I will miss this one too. It has, after all, been my home for a long time. You really become attached to a view when it’s yours 24/7 for years.

In my many years here, I have seen young patrons grow up and return with their own little goslings. I am looking forward to the same journey in the new library. See you over there in a few weeks!

What are you most excited for in the new library? What’s your favorite Penelope outfit? Tell us in the comments!