Central Library (For National Library Week)

"The Central Library thanks you for your patronage. We close in five minutes! Please check out any materials--"

That was as far as the announcement got before she, and I, were nearly trampled by a rush to the desk. I cradled my copy of North and South like a running back, rolled to my feet, and went to check out.

It was crowded this night, like the library was a rock show. With three minutes to spare, I got into the librarian's line, who was stamping books for all her might, saying, "Hope to see you soon, we like this place!"

I wondered what she meant by that, even when I finally got my book stamped with 30 seconds to spare.

I said out loud, "Wow, happy hour is really important to you guys, huh?"

"I suggest you leave, sir," she said, "The library IS CLOSING!"

Red lights flashed, a countdown started, and I just got out before the building didn't just close.

Oh, no.

It jumped up, slammed itself shut, folded itself like an envelope, and disappeared.

I'd never felt so alive. Hope to see them soon, I really like that place!