Free The Swear Jar by Audra Osorio Page A

as well give up now.”

Chapter Eight
    Meara arrived at the South
Branchville Public Library in record time.  As she drove into the parking lot,
the fieldstone building reminded her of a hug.  There was a central entrance
and a wing to each side.  It was a charming building.  It was twice the size of
her library.  But as she approached the Circulation Desk, she felt it lacked a
homey feel.  The Circulation staff didn’t smile.  She smiled sweetly and asked
to speak to the director.  She looked around while she waited.  The library was
divided into boxes and lacked an open feel.  She wondered what architects
thought when they drew up library plans.  She was getting claustrophobic.
    “Hello Meara Martin!  Welcome to
South Branchville!” said a charming voice.
    Meara turned to see Russell
McMahon.  He was taller, slimmer and younger than Duncan.  He had reddish
blonde hair and blue eyes.  He wore a tailored suit and tie.  It was obvious he
didn’t like to get his hands dirty.  Even though Duncan wore slacks and a dress
shirt, he wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and help out.  Russell was
smiling like a lunatic.  He might be good looking, but he was full of himself
and a cheesy comedian.
    “Hello, Mr. McMahon.  Thank you for
seeing me on such short notice.”  She tried to smile.
    “I would never pass up an
opportunity to help our friends from Pin Oak Grove!” he replied.  “How is OLD
Duncan holding up these days?”
    “Mr. Phillips is doing quite well,
thank you,” she said icily.
    Hitting the wrong chord with her,
he quickly recovered and changed his tune.  “Let me show you the Youth Services
Room.  I can introduce you to the staff.  I didn’t know Pin Oak Grove had replaced
their librarian until I got your call.  When did you start?”
    “Today is my first day,” she
replied.
    “Trial by fire, is it?  You’re a
real go-getter!  We could use someone with that kind of initiative here. 
Unfortunately, our librarian retired in the beginning of the year.  Our two
library assistants are wonderful, but we’re missing the magic touch of a strong
youth services advocate.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    As they entered the Youth Services
Room, Meara noticed the lack of hustle and bustle she thought this library
would have.  Two library assistants stood by the desk, whispering to each
other.  They looked nervous as Russell and Meara approached.
    “Meara, I would like to introduce
you to Susan and Marie,” said Russell.
    The three ladies exchanged greetings
while Russell stood nearby.  Susan and Marie looked uncomfortable.  Meara
thought quickly.
    She asked, “Mr. McMahon? Was that a
passport office I spotted inside the library?”
    “Yes!  We’re lucky to be the only
library in the county with a passport office.”
    “That’s fantastic!  My sister, her
husband and my niece need to apply for passports.  Would you please be so kind
as to pick up three applications for me?”
    “I would be delighted!  I’ll be
right back!”
    As soon as Russell was gone, Meara
asked, “What’s up, ladies?”
    “We’re trying, but we’re
shorthanded.  We never learned how to do this.  We’ll get through the summer,
but he’s quite demanding.  We’re a little overwhelmed,” said Susan.
    “Don’t worry.  Here’s my email
address.  May I borrow the manual and the CD?  If you still need them, just
tell me.”
    “They’re all yours.  We can manage
the programs and the performers.  How do we keep track of the reading
statistics?  Where do we get prizes for the kids?  How many prizes do we get?”
asked Marie.
    “Don’t worry, ladies,” Meara said
soothingly.  “We’ll get through this together.  I’ll send you copies of the
system I’ve used before.  It’s not so hard once you see how it works.  As far
as prizes go, I’ll have to make up my own orders, so we will figure out how much
you should order.  Here he comes.  We’ll talk