[Publib] Marrying people at the reference desk

[John]

Joe, I am truly sorry to say that I have *not* presided at nuptials at any library desk.  I have, however, overheard some very interesting cell phone conversations in the men's room...but I digress.  In my last position, the board president did tell me in all seriousness that he wanted his funeral, or memorial service, conducted at the library.  I wanted to point out to him that the Palestine Public Library was constructed in such a way as to be spectacularly unsuited for funerals.  It was also unsuitable for use as a library...but I digress.  There were, however, two memorial services for unchurched and rabidly atheistic (thus, no church, and not even a so-called funeral *home*) members--husband and wife, deaths close together--of the Library Friends held in the library's meeting room, with Yours Truly as the requested presider.  It was all too weird, and I was glad when both events were over.

I might have felt more pious and earnestly grateful to (sort-of) officiate if a family member had slipped me a little cash, as an honorarium, outside the library, off city property, under cover of darkness....  (Ha!)

John D. Richmond, Director
Alpha Park Public Library District
3527 So. Airport Road
Bartonville, IL 61607
Ph: 309-697-3822, x. 12
Fax: 309-697-9681
Email: jrichmond at alphapark.org
_______________________________________________
When I open my eyes I must sigh, for what I see is contrary to my religion, and I must despise the world which does not know that music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.  -- Ludwig van Beethoven