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

Toxic Leadership in Libraries: Would You Work for the Wicked Witch of the West?

Would You Work for the Wicked Witch of the West?

I have always loved The Wizard of Oz. Growing up, I watched the movie every year, and the book remains one of my all-time favorites. One of my favorite characters that fascinated me the most was the Wicked Witch of the West. In many ways I admired her because she was so determined, very powerful, and unapologetically off the hook. But as I got older and entered the professional world, I encountered a different kind of Wicked Witch which I would call the Toxic Leader. 

My first experience with a toxic leader happened many, many years ago, but I still remember the moment vividly. She snapped at me over something minor and in that moment I had to fight back the tears. I headed to the break room as quickly as I could and when I was alone I let the tears fall. She was terrifying, and the most ironic part? I was actually one of her favorites!

What Does Toxic Leadership Look Like?

Much like in the Wizard of Oz, a toxic leader creates an environment filled with fear, manipulation, and control. Here are some telltale signs:

• Micromanagement & Power Hoarding – Just as the Wicked Witch coveted the ruby slippers, toxic leaders cling to power, unwilling to delegate or trust their staff. Every decision must go through them, no matter how small.

• Emotional Manipulation – The Wicked Witch wanted Dorothy’s slippers and she used scare tactics and intimidation to try to get them. Toxic library leaders may use guilt, passive-aggressiveness, or even outright hostility to control their staff.

• Favoritism & Nepotism – In the land of Oz, there was always preferential treatment going on, and in toxic workplaces it is prevalent, certain staff members receive special privileges while others are ignored or set up for failure.

• Lack of Support & Unrealistic Expectations – Much like when the Wicked Witch sent her minions after Dorothy without a solid plan, toxic leaders demand results without offering guidance, resources, or realistic expectations.

• Punishing Dissent & Stifling Innovation – The Wicked Witch didn’t take well to opposition, and neither do toxic leaders. Employees who challenge bad policies, offer new ideas, or advocate for improvements may find themselves sidelined or retaliated against.

Here are a few examples of how the Wicked Witch is toxic:

🔥 She rules through fear instead of respect
🔥 She micromanages (obsessing over the ruby slippers instead of leading effectively)
🔥 She uses others to do her dirty work 
🔥 She lashes out at others instead of self-reflecting
🔥 She can’t handle opposition—When anyone stands up to her she completely unravels

The Impact of Toxic Leadership

Working under toxic leadership can be emotionally and physically draining. Employees in these environments often experience:

• Burnout and high stress levels

• Decreased motivation and engagement

• Fear of speaking up or advocating for change

• High turnover rates, creating an unstable work environment

How to Survive or Escape

If you find yourself working under the library world’s version of the Wizard of Oz, here are some strategies to help you navigate the storm:

1. Document Everything – Keep a record of incidents, unfair treatment, and unrealistic expectations. If things escalate, documentation can be crucial.

2. Find Your Glinda (aka a Support System) – Seek out supportive colleagues, mentors, or professional networks to validate your experiences and provide guidance. 

3. Establish Boundaries – Toxic leaders thrive on overextending employees. Learn to say no and protect your mental health.

4. Seek Professional Development Opportunities – If advancement within your current library isn’t possible, consider gaining skills that will help you transition to a healthier work environment.

5. Know When to Leave – Sometimes, no amount of ruby slippers will make a toxic environment better. If leadership is unwilling to change, seeking employment elsewhere may be the best option for your well-being.

Building a Better Library Culture

Not all library leaders are diabolical villains. Many are compassionate, supportive, and dedicated to fostering a positive workplace. The key to combating toxic leadership is advocating for healthy work environments, recognizing red flags early, and promoting professional development and leadership training that emphasizes emotional intelligence, collaboration, and staff well-being.

If you’ve ever worked under a toxic manager, know that you’re not alone. There’s no place like a healthy library workplace, and sometimes, the best thing you can do is follow your own yellow brick road to a better environment.

Have you experienced toxic leadership in libraries? Share your thoughts in the comments or let’s continue the conversation on how we can make libraries a healthier place for all.

Wishing you well,

the Compassionate Librarian