A library in Massachusetts is leaning into the fact that a majority of their patrons only go to the library when the weather is extremely hot, unbearably cold, or when it is either raining or snowing like a bitch.
Bellingham Public Library is extremely self-aware and isn't mad that you have other awesome shit to do when the weather is totally cooperating.
In fact, library director Mark Janusberg has even flirted with closing early or not even opening at all when the weather is above 60 degrees.
"In the spring, it's not even worth coming in and turning the power on," he admitted.
Last year, Janusberg said there was one day when it was like 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky, and not one patron, or staff member, even bothered to show up.
"I was able to completely reorganize the Large Print Books section that day, so everyone wins," he said.
"But when that weather drops for the first cold front or we get that first heatwave, I expect my staff to bring their fucking "A" game."
"But when that weather drops for the first cold front or we get that first heatwave, I expect my staff to bring their fucking "A" game."
Janusberg is referencing the amount of programs, services, and assistance his staff manages during seasons with temperamental weather and high duress. "If you are on that floor during our peak hours you better be a resource and have a helping hand or so help me God."
He continued, "The first big snowstorm is our superbowl. Kids getting a ton of books they may or may not read, adults getting entire seasons of TV shows..."
Janusberg hinted that it's during these times that the high check-out numbers help balance out the rest of the year. "Without one or two heatwaves or snowstorms, our budget is fucked."
The community seems to rally around the library during these times, which is a relief to Janusberg who hinted that his job is constantly on the chopping block.
"This place is the best," said Sarah Moore, a long-time patron and mother of three. "Where else am I going to be able to ditch my kids for an hour until naptime?"
Another friend of the library, John Bolthouse, was equally keen on the services offered by his beloved library branch. "A staff member was able to quickly find me entire seasons of House and The West Wing on DVD"
"I got a bunch of graphic novels," said Wayne Litscomb, a student who is constantly in the library pretending to get extra help but really just hanging out. "Maybe I'll glance at one or two during the snow day.”
When the weather gets really extreme, Janusberg mentioned that they will hire other librarians from more moderate climates to help pitch in and pick up the slack. Last year there was a cold front, and librarians were called in from California, Nevada, and North Carolina, among others.
"We needed several extra staff members to help police the Teen section. Let's just say that our Magic and Pokemon tournaments needed extra security."
So is Janusberg okay with his library being the place patrons only visit when the weather sucks?
"Absolutely. We know our role within the community. We might not be a beach, a park, or a playground, but we are just as important as those other places...just 15% of the total year."