My library friends on the picket line
The biggest plus about being on the picket line is having lots of time to socialize and chat with my fellow co-workers. Usually I am always so busy answering questions or helping patrons with their books, or even shelving books onto the shelves that sometimes we don't get a chance to talk and catch up with each other.
I have known Ross Bliss for a few years… usually we pass at Central Branch, in between organzing programs. Ross has created the Jazz 101 series and also plays gypsy jazz guitar in the style of Django Reinhardt… okay maybe not that incredible… but incredible for us non-guitar players. Ross often plays at the Kino Cafe in Vancouver on Cambie St. It was great to try some duets with Ross – even though he improvises gypsy jazz and I sight read classical. We worked out some nice stuff on O Sole Mio, Avalon and Carnaval of Venice.
Lily Gee, longtime Vancouver city library worker – photo Todd Wong
Last week Lily Gee asked me to sign her autograph book celebrating her 35 years of service at the Vancouver Public Library. I first met Lily when I was a teenager and worked on Sundays in the Stacks department at the Central Library. Our paths have often crossed, and it is always with a smile. Lily is great to work with!
Diana Keng and Tasha are fellow CUPE 391 picketers – photo Todd Wong
I have worked with Diana at at many branches over the years. She really enjoys travelling and always shows me her latest travel pictures. She is one of the first facebook users I know, and started up the VPL facebookers group. I have only met Tasha a few times at Kitsilano library, and have enjoyed her company and conversation. Both of these fellow co-workers are great people, and they are constructively using the picket time to knit caps that are being sold to help needy people at the Carnegie Centre.