#38 Overtaken

Dear diary,

When I arrived at work today there was a sign out the front stating that the library was closed. Confused, I let myself in through the back entrance and found everyone in the staffroom. They were all concerned. Boudecia came out of her office carrying a cardboard box; her birdcage was sitting on top of a pile of stationery and, of course, books.

Viktor came out after her, smiling. He looked like he’d just won a million dollars, however the exact opposite had just occurred – he’d invested $1,000,000 in the library, my library, and ended up owning more than half of the shares. This meant that he had just seized ownership of the library from the council, for BiblioTech Corp.

He explained all of this to us as we stood there bewildered in the staffroom. Sylvia seemed shocked. Goldie appeared gobsmacked. TJ was in turmoil and Bron looked befuddled. I saw Talia grip Shannon’s arm and the two of them wore deeply concerned expressions. I can’t understand why.

Ernesto was first to speak. He began by asking the question that was on the forefront of all our minds: What will happen to us? Viktor smiled another of his smiles and said that we would all keep our jobs. But on one condition: that we signed a contract with BiblioTech Corp to say that we would be employed by them and solely them, with no ties to council.

I wonder how this will affect my work? The others are quite apprehensive about the takeover, but I don’t see a problem with it. I mean, they produce some great pieces of equipment, and having direct access to all of it can only improve services in the library. Right?

-Jay