Hi Friends.

It’s been awhile. It’s felt like only a week or two ago since I last posted, though it’s been much longer than that. It makes me wonder if time travel if possible (or if it may have just happened).

It could be.

Many things have happened, some that were under wraps and I couldn’t really talk about until recently. Roll a few other events of this scrambled sushi, and you’ve got a party. So, let’s get started.

I got a new job.

I’m still at the same place, I just have a new position! I’m no longer the Circulation Manager, but the Programming Manager for the Library. In a nutshell, I’m responsible for planning out (and assisting or running) adult programming for the whole library system. This also includes our annual events like our comic book convention and carnival, along with outreach and going to events like school career days, Chamber of Commerce events, official City committees, and taking a much more visible role in the community. Basically, I am now Tony Stark for the library.

Please please, it’s not about me. I’m here for the people.

This has been coming for a long time, but I wasn’t able to share it with anyone until it was officially announced. Thankfully, the person replacing me was the person I was replacing. Just a good ‘ole switcharoo! This made the transition SO much easier, because we both had a thousand questions for each other.

I feel like this role really caters to the entertainer/networker in me. In years past, I’ve volunteered (or volun-told, as they say) for all manner of Library representation: going on the radio to promote events, doing TV interviews to showcase new services or programs, attending functions on the Library’s behalf, assisting in the writing/creation of material for our social media, career days – you name it, I’ve done it. With this new position, however, I’m no longer there by accident or because I was available…I now do it because IT’S MY LEGIT JOB.

Need somebody to represent us

We had our Book Sale and Comic-Con.

About 5 years ago when I first came to this library, we decided to try hosting our own Comic-Con where people could dress up, share their fandoms, and join in on all sorts of programs while winning fabulous prizes. It was a smashing success, and we’ve been doing it ever since. This time however, I was the man with the clipboard running the show. It’s been awhile since I’ve run anything of this magnitude, but I feel I got back into the saddle without too many struggles. And of course, I still got to dress up as Park and Recreation’s favorite FBI agent, Burt Macklin.

School is back in session.

School WAS back in session, and is over again. I’ve been working on this article little by little. So much so, I started it back in summer and have finally slowed down enough to post. I feel like I had to post something before people started sending out search parties.

I did really well in this class – all that’s left is accounting and my capstone. By the time summer finishes, I should be 100% done with my MBA.

We lost a friend.

It is with great sorrow that during all the craziness, we lost a fellow coworker. I’ve had coworkers and direct reports who have lost friends and family, but I’ve never lost a coworker specifically. This one holds a special place in my heart, as she was the one who trained me to take over the Circulation department I’ve been running the last 3 years. We had our disagreements like any other coworker, but we still respected each other. May you rest in peace, Danuta.

Holidays in general. Because.

While I’ve officially been in the new job since about August/September, we snowball into this finals/Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years cycle that just never finishes. Work/life balance hasn’t been kind, but I can finally take a breath.

Resolutions?

I ain’t picky this year. I would say “write more posts”, but that seems to translate into “write long posts that never get finished”. I wouldn’t say I’m going to shift from quality to quantity, but I’m working to accept that not every post needs to be a 12-page masterpiece. I think I’m going to work more on my Brash Jobs series and create short posts that are more meaningful and answer more fan mail. Other than that…

• Finish my MBA program.
• Lose a few pounds.
• Get through my book/movie/video game backlog? Nah, too lofty. I feel like The Witcher is on the verge making that even worse.
• Do more consulting. I’ve been consulted on a few topics by various libraries including bridging the divide between millennial and baby boomer staff, developing community libraries, marketing, networking, and in-house performing.
• Once I’m done with my school, I’m considering taking acting up more seriously. Still thinking about it, but we’ll see.

Time to get back into it, then! Happy New Years, y’all.

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian