#1 Accepted!

Dear diary,

At long last my dream has come true! I'm going to work in a library!

I sent off my application to become a shelver at my local lirary five months ago. I wasn't really expecting anything because for the past four years I've been sending them a copy of my resume every six months, and not one single letter or phone call, not even to say sorry, we're full, better luck next time. So my expectations were pretty low this time around.

Then yesterday I was sitting in the loungeroom playing World of Warcraft on my notebook when I heard a rustle of feathers, followed by a THUD!. Cautiously I got up from the armchair and walked towards the window, where the noise had come from. A quick scan revealed nothing, and I was about to turn back when I heard another THUD!, this time lower down.

Horror movies never taught me anything. I opened the window and leaned forward to get a good view of what was down there. As I peered out the window, an owl fluttered up at my face. I landed on my back as it landed on the sill. It had a yellow envelope in its mouth and a slightly mad gleam in its eye. I stood up, patted the nocturnal killer on the head adoringly and tore open the letter.

"Dear Jay,

Congratulations! You have been accepted to work at the Library Service as a shelver. We thank you for your patience in the lateness of this letter. A position has recently become available due to an unfortunate work-related accident which has prevented a former shelver from working, let alone walking. Please find enclosed a detailed list of the Library Rules. Pay special attention to Rule 14.56.8 Sub-section 6.1A Clause 2, which deals with your new responsibilities.

Please call the library to accept this position. Your training shall begin at 1300 hours Tuesday 23rd October. We hope to see you there.

Yours sincerely,

The Library Staff"

I was so excited when I read this that I could hardly breathe. I have loved libraries as long as I can remember. My first word was 'book'. I memorised the Dewey Decimal System before I learned my times tables. Each time I walked into one was a new adventure, a new horizon to seek.

I called the library immediately and accepted. It took me five tries as each time someone answered the phone I got so excited I could only squeal into the phone. The librarian was really annoyed by the end, so after I hung up I sent the owl back to the library with a box of chocolates and an apologetic note.

So, I'm an official shelver now. Can't wait to see what working in a library is really like...