Librarian's Faith Is Renewed

[Rose Siding]

She needed help, and not in finding a book or magazine. If she hadn't already hit rock bottom, she didn't have far to go.
Arthritis had knotted her once nimble fingers, making it impossible to work as a typist. Unemployment ate away her bank account and fed her desperation.
She came to the library to use the computers to draw up resumes and research ways to get disability payments. She sought to end a slide that eventually would leave her homeless and hungry....

In walked Martin. "She had depleted her welcome," he said. "She seemed very critical of the computers and the staff. They wondered how long I could be nice to her. I thought she was very demanding, cranky and intrusive. But I could see she was a very bright person who was in a part of her life where people were abandoning her."
...
In the spring, Bell's money ran out and for several weeks she was homeless. One librarian saw her after hours wandering the streets, loaded down with her belongings. The librarians gave her money for food, drove her to appointments and allowed her to use the phone.
...
In September, Bell approached Martin and dropped a piece of paper in front of him. As was his habit, he began to proofread it for her.
She had nominated him for something, Martin remembered thinking at the time. He didn't ask for an explanation, and she didn't offer one.
...

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-library11jan11,0,7525134.story?coll=la-home-local

[Judi Lynn]

1. This is a tremendous story.How great to see something turn out right.n/t

[havocmom]

2. Always, always try to find a way to thank people who go above and beyond

even if they do it for somebody besides you. How much better the world will be when we dwell on what is good about people in our daily commerce with others.

And librarians rock! Love how they found ways to stand against Ashcroft & Patriot Act even when bound by the law not to tell on the thought police! They don't get paid well in most places, so they must love their duties. How can we all appreciate them and let them know?