The Library Manager Files - Case of the Clogged Pipes

 

The Library Manager Files

File #1: The Case of the Clogged Pipes

📁 File #1

Case Name: The Case of the Clogged Pipes
Location: Public Library

Status: Closed ✔️

When I accepted my first library manager position, I imagined spending my first few weeks getting to know my staff, meeting community members, and planning exciting programs for the library.

Reality had other plans for me.

Right at the end of my first week I get a frantic report from the staff that water is rising up outside of the children's area and it looks like it's dirty water coming up from the pipes. The restrooms had backed up, the area outside of the children's area was flooding quickly and it became clear to me that I was going to have to start thinking fast on what to do. To make matters even more interesting, the library is an older building with aging and angry pipes, so the combination of eons-old plumbing and something else very unexpected backing up the lines created quite a memorable introduction to library management for me.

Ok, so first things first. What should you do when an event like this occurs? Glad you asked

1. Stay calm

2. Contact the public works and library administration

3. Alert patrons that the library may need to close due to an emergency

4. Wait to hear what the issue is and if you need to close

5. Close the library if needed, but make sure you have your upper management's approval first

6. Put up closed signs and assist staff in either finding another branch to work at or taking time off

In case this ever happens to you (and I sincerely hope it doesn't), here's what I learned.

I knew I couldn't fix the plumbing. What I did know is that I could do was stay calm, communicate with my staff, keep patrons informed, work with our facilities team, and make the best decisions I could while everyone worked together to solve the problem.

Needless to say, this wasn't something they covered in library school.

I remember standing there thinking, "Well...this certainly isn't how I imagined my first week as a manager would be."

That week was really a good experience for me. I realized as the manager, my job was to communicate with the city and our admin office staff, support our patrons as we ended up having to close the library, put up a sorry we're closed for the day sign as quickly as possible, and to keep moving everyone through the situation as calmly as possible.

Over the years, there would be many more unexpected moments that would definitely outshine this plumbing fiasco. I've never forgotten that first lesson because it gave me a glimpse of the skills I needed to handle a busy public library. 

All in all, working in a public library you'll most likely

Have some days you'll recommend a wonderful book.

Have some days you'll help someone find life-changing information.

And have some days...

After the facilities crew investigated, they found the culprit.

A pair of PANTS had clogged the pipes.

Yes...an actual pair of pants was flushed down one of the toilets and clogged the pipes and that made it burst and overflow!

The universe was probably laughing saying welcome to managing a public library!

I do have a few extra notes to share with you:

Manager's Notes

• Public libraries are wonderfully unpredictable.
• You don't have to know how to solve every problem yourself.
• Stay calm, communicate clearly, and trust the people who know what to do.
• Sometimes the most unexpected days become the ones that teach you the most.

📁 Filed Under: Crisis Management, New Managers, & Lessons Learned

Tune in next week to hear about the Case of the Mysterious Black Goo

Introducing New Series - The Library Manager Files!

 

The Library Manager Files

For the past 15 years I had the pleasure of managing several public libraries. During that time, I collected far more than meeting notes, reports, and paperwork. I collected a lifetime of stories.

Some of them made me and others laugh.

Some of them kept me awake at night.

Some of them remind me why I love libraries.

And many of them taught me lessons that no one could have ever prepared me for.

Now that I'm retired (as of June 30th, Yay!) I thought it would be fun to start unpacking some of my files (mental files of course) and go one by one and share with you what I learned along the way.

Stories have always been one of my favorite ways to connect with people. I love discovering the humor in unexpected moments, the compassion in challenging ones, and the human connections that remind us we're never navigating life alone. I believe every story has two endings: the one that happened...and the lesson we carry with us afterward.

Just in case you're wondering. The names and locations and any other identifiable attributes will be changed for privacy issues. Librarians love to uphold privacy. However, the stories and lesson are all detailed to the best of my memory.

If you've ever worked in a public library, I hope these stories make you smile, nod your head, and maybe even think, "Yep...I've been there."

If you're a new manager or thinking about becoming one, then I hope these stories give you a glimpse into just how wonderfully unpredictable public libraries can be and not the complete opposite :)

In my series the Library Manager Files:

*Each file has a story.

*Each story has a lesson.

And every once in a while, you'll find yourself wondering...

"Did that really happen?"

The answer is probably most likely umm yes.

Make sure to grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and tune into the Library Manager Files.

See you next week for...

📁 File #1: The Case of the Soggy Pants

Winter Weather Can be Dangerous for Those Without Shelter

Winter can be a difficult season, but for anyone experiencing homelessness, it can be life-threatening. Here in California, we may not get snow, but cold rain and dropping temperatures still pose serious risks for the unhoused community. Across the country, the weather becomes even harsher—bitter winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy snowfall create dangerous conditions for anyone living outdoors.

Just last week, I witnessed firsthand how quickly cold weather can take a toll. An unhoused man was walking outside the library in the rain, looking exhausted. He eventually laid down on the walkway leading up to the front door. At first, I thought he might just be resting. But then he started jerking upright suddenly and lying back down again. It was clear something was wrong.

I called 911, and EMTs arrived shortly after to assist him. It was a sobering reminder of how dangerous winter weather can be and how important it is for library staff to recognize when someone might need help. The EMTs told me that it was a good thing that I had called them and explained that the man was suffering from hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions, which lead to his confusion, muscle weakness, and he could have even gone unconscious if he was left untreated.

The Danger of Cold Weather for Unhoused Individuals

Exposure to the elements can quickly lead to serious health issues, including:

• Hypothermia: When body temperature drops too low, causing confusion, unconsciousness, and even death if untreated.
• Frostbite: Especially in colder climates, frostbite can damage skin and tissue in minutes.
• Respiratory Illnesses: Living outside in cold, wet weather can lead to severe illnesses like pneumonia.

How to Respond if an Unhoused Person Needs Medical Help

As library staff, you might be the first to notice when someone needs medical attention. Here’s what you can do:

1️⃣ Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

• Observe from a safe distance. If the person appears unconscious, confused, or unresponsive, call 911 immediately.

2️⃣ Call for Emergency Help

• Be clear and detailed with the dispatcher: describe what’s happening, your location, and any visible symptoms.

3️⃣ Offer Assistance, If Possible

• If the person is alert and able to speak, offer them a blanket or direct them to a nearby shelter or warming center.

4️⃣ Know Your Local Resources

• Have a list of shelters, warming centers, and outreach services. Sometimes, just offering information can help someone find warmth and safety.

Take A Compassionate Approach

It’s not always easy to know what to do, but it’s always okay to err on the side of caution. Calling 911 can be a lifesaving decision. And while it’s impossible to solve the larger crisis of homelessness on your own, responding with compassion and kindness makes an immediate difference.

Remember, our kindness is really important when it comes to helping unhoused patrons. It’s about being part of the community—helping where you can, and sometimes just being a steady, caring presence when someone needs it most.

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay compassionate. ❤️