[click photos to enlarge]
 Yes, it’s the Elevator! But not just any elevator, but the south-side elevator closest to the entrance to the Porter Library, and not its evil twin sister to the north.
Why is it my favourite place? Firstly, it is a place where I meet so many people every day -- strangers and friends, staff and students, alike. It’s also a place of power, capable of lifting 1600 kilograms 10 stories high in just seconds. What the pyramid builders of Egypt would have given for that power those millennia ago! It can be a place of solitude early in the morning or where a frenzied crush of people cram in later in the day. It has the Red button of Doom, and the Phone that Must Not be Used. You resist the temptation to press all the remaining buttons as you get off on your floor. It is the most sensitive place in the building. Once I disrespected the Elevator, decrying aloud how slow it was. The next day it taught me an unforgettable lesson, closing its doors behind me as I entered, locking me inside. Sealed in that cold, steel tomb for an age – my own private isolation chamber – the Elevator reminded me who was in charge. It was soundproof – I could hear no one and no one could hear me. It tempted me with an alarm that contacted no one, and a phone that would not work. Chastened and subdued, I quietly forced my way out. From that day on I have respected its tireless service and treated it with the appreciation it deserves. It has become my favourite place in the Library! - Charles Woods |
 I've been working here for nearly 20 years and throughout all the changes, whatever the Circulation desk looks like - and it looks pretty darned cool in this latest incarnation! - it's been the center of our department and the center of my library experience. This is where our department comes together, and where all the patrons eventually come to see us and it informs so much of the work that we do behind the scene.
Sometimes I have wanted to pull my hair out after a busy or stressful shift, but I really do enjoy interacting with such a wide diversity of staff and patrons. - Karen Davidson |
 I would like to declare this corner on the main floor my favourite
space, as it was my office for about 8 years, and its lovely window area
where I could watch the seasons and see the birds and the squirrels in the
trees, created a calming and spirit restoring effect within me when needed,
and simple contentment most other times.
Thanks!Melanie |
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