Planet Library – Episode 2: Into the Wild

All beginnings are equally parts excitement and terror. The Plano Public Library is a hub of beginnings for books and readers alike. Here, a flock of young books is making its way into the wild for the first time, arriving at their new home location. Having reached the next stage in their development, they have been ejected from the nest and must learn to fly on their own. Each book is gingerly removed from their transportation bin and placed upon a tag reader to ensure that it has made its way to its designated habitat.

A few lucky books begin their lives with much excitement. Their plumage is obscured by a temporary label – they will not need it to attract their first reader. They have attracted readers and were placed on hold, since before they left the nest.

After a short wait on the hold shelf they are checked out, read, and returned, starting the entire ouroboros-like cycle all over again.

While some books have been preselected by readers. Others’ fates are yet to be determined. These books begin their foray into the library in a special enclosure for new materials. Some employ a more ostentatious strategy, displaying their covers outwardly to attract curious readers. Others choose a more subtle approach.

What’s this!?! One of the books has caught the attention of a potential reader. We are in for a treat dear viewer; this process is known to happen but is seldom witnessed in the wild. The book holds its breath, careful to not scare away the skittish reader.

IT WORKED! The reader has selected the book for checkout.

After several months, and with a few checkouts under their wings, the books are ready to be fully integrated with the flock and shelved in permanent habitats within their respective collections. Reaching maturity, they shed their youthful plumage with the aid of a helpful librarian. This is not the end of their story though, but the start of a longer journey…

~See you soon for the next installment of Planet Library!~