I have, in the past, bitched loud and long (perhaps not on this blog, but trust me, I have…) about the circulation department at the Boston Public Library, so it is only fair that I should publicly praise them for a recent interaction.
This afternoon, I went to the central branch to return a bunch of materials and pick up a hold. I dropped my books and one book on cd in the return branch, then was assisted immediately with my hold. My bad — it’s on hold at the West End branch. The circulation assistant (yet another Simmons GSLIS student, like myself) looked far and wide before I realized that I hadn’t checked where I’d asked the book to be sent. I apologized and went on my way.
A few minutes ago, I checked my library accounts and saw that one of the items I’d returned was still listed as out. Since I don’t want to incur fines or the wrath of the BPL, I decided to call the central branch and check. I girded myself for wrath and dialed the phone.
I was transferred to circulation immediately, where the phone was promptly answered by a man whose name I either missed or was not given. I gave him my info and he said that it looked like the book on cd in question had just been checked in. He indicated it probably got separated in the hamper, but that I was fine. And then he told me that I had some books on hold at the West End branch. He was pleasant and helpful, and wished me a good evening, adding, “Keep your feet dry.”
It was a pleasant and efficient conversation and a step towards counteracting my dislike of the central branch. Yay!