Dear Ms. Higgs: You’re a goddess. Thank you.
She beamed at the short missive. This. This was why she’d originally wanted to teach, and why she now worked at the library. The desire to help her community, instilled in her by both her parents, had driven her for as long as she could remember.
And she knew it was selfish, but every time she assisted someone, that unwelcome restlessness deep in her bones seemed to ease. At least temporarily.
Dear Mr. O’Connor, she typed back. My pleasure. Write anytime. You already know the general library address, and mine is [email protected]. Take care.
“So, Mary…” Angie drummed her fingers against the circulation desk. “If you were picking new flooring, would you prefer a blond wood? Or something darker?”
Oh, for pity’s sake.
“I agreed to try online dating. So why not just ask me what hair color I prefer in men, instead of using some belabored metaphor?” Mary met her supervisor’s eyes and tried to remain firm. “And I’m filling out my own profile, remember?”
“We’ll see.” Angie offered her usual blinding, confident smile. “How do you feel about reddish or gingery tones in wood? Like, say, a nice cherry color?”
2
FROM: [email protected]
Monday, January 16, 2017 9:52 a.m.
Dear Ms. Higgs:
Sorry to bug you. Can’t seem to figure out what to do. Help?
FROM: [email protected]
Monday, January 16, 2017 11:05 a.m.
Dear Mr. O’Connor:
Please don’t apologize! I enjoy assisting people.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re having problems. What stage in the process is giving you trouble? Browsing? Checking out? Downloading to your e-reader?
If it’s any consolation, you’re not alone. We always get a flood of people after the holidays who need help with their new devices.
Sincerely,
Mary Higgs
FROM: [email protected]
Tuesday, January 17, 2017 10:07 a.m.
Dear Ms. Higgs:
Sadly, mine’s not new. I’ve just never put books on it by myself before.
My stumbling block seems to be downloading. Later today, I’ll e-mail you with more information. Right now, too frustrated to type more.
Thank you for your kindness. Please call me Miles.
FROM: [email protected]
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 8:55 a.m.
Dear Miles:
From the description you sent last night, I think I’ve figured out the problem. I’ve attached more detailed instructions below.
If they don’t help, is there anyone nearby who can help you? Or did you just move to the area?
Please feel free to call me Mary.
Sincerely,
The Librarian Formerly Known as Ms. Higgs
FROM: [email protected]
Thursday, January 19, 2017 11:46 a.m.
Dear Mary:
Successful download achieved! Thank you.
New Nice County resident. And you’re all the help I need.
Quick question: Do you have any voice dictation software recs? Have you read any reviews? I hate hunting and pecking.
FROM: [email protected]
Thursday, January 19, 2017 4:03 p.m.
Dear Miles:
I looked up voice dictation software in our consumer magazines, and I’ve compiled a list of recommendations, along with their individual strengths and drawbacks, below.
They all have their flaws (apparently, if you write about putting your hand on someone’s waist, you may end up touching their “waste” instead, which is something else entirely), but they’re well-regarded in general. I hope they help you.
Have you enjoyed your e-books? Do you have a favorite so far?
Sincerely,
Mary
FROM: [email protected]
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 11:46 a.m.
No favorite. Can you see which e-books I check out? If so, is there any way to make that private?
FROM: [email protected]
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 12:01 p.m.
Dear Mr. O’Connor:
I can see your e-book checkouts, but only if I bring up your information in my computer. Which is something I would never do out of curiosity or for any other reason than professional necessity. I haven’t seen your account since I created your card. I promise.
I’m afraid I can’t make that information any more private than it is.
I apologize for asking something so personal. The e-books you choose to check out are your concern, and yours only.
Sincerely,
Mary Higgs
FROM: [email protected]
Thursday, January 26, 2017 3:43 p.m.
Dear Mary:
I didn’t mean to imply you were invading my privacy. You were asking a normal and thoughtful question, and I didn’t know how to respond. The last couple of months have been difficult, and I’m out of practice when it comes to communicating with people.
My favorite book so far is Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston. I guess that seems like an odd choice, but I saw the movie about him and wanted to hear the whole story. Not just about how he injured himself, but his recovery too.
I’ve also been eyeing books about mountain climbers. Maybe Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. What are your thoughts?
Warmly and with apologies,
Miles
P.S. The voice dictation software is extremely helpful. As you can probably tell from the length of this message. Thank you for your recommendations.
P.P.S.