So many books, so little time

To read something at the National Library in Bucharest, you need to take time off from work. Skipping college class also works.

I admit, I have.t been to the library for a long time. But there are some things that even Google cannot find for you. So I arrived at the National Library on a Friday, sometime around 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The problem is that the institution is on a short schedule. And in the weekends it is closed.

Let’s try a short briefing:

The National Library was inaugurated in April 2012, with much fuss, after 25 years since they started the work on the building, in Ceausescu’s era. To finish it until the end of the world comes, the Ministry of Culture took a 200 million euros loan from the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). And let’s admit the Library looks great: metal structures, glass elevators, stylish new furniture, internet access and computers, etc. looking pretty futuristic. It even has up to date equipment facilitating the reading of the book for those who are blind.

Time 4:05 p.m.

I am entering the building, pass through wardrobe and go directly to the counter where they manage subscriptions. It’s free, no charge attached and your picture is done on sight. You only need to complete a registration form. Done. Now straight to catalogs room- online here I come!

Time 4:15 p.m.

Click the search button for the words that interested me. I do find some books that seemed useful but then…most of them had no registration number. True, I was looking for something to do with economy. Perhaps on the other areas are better organized. I’m going to ask for clarification.

– Excuse me please, I need these books and they do not have a registration no. What’s the procedure?

– Oh, they are under registration for numbering at this time.

– And in two years since the opening wasn’t time enough?

– It takes time for these things. There are many books. If you want a book without a quota you must register a request.

– How long until I’ll receive theme?

– In a few days or so …

• I do not have this time at my disposal. And anyway when she said ” ..or so..” the Mrs. looked confused to the desk calendar.

16:40

I take the name of the 5 books listed and go ask for theme in the reading room. Fill out some forms and then I am told to wait at a table…as quiet as I can.

Time 4:55 p.m.

The librarian at the warehouse comes with 2 of the book.

–  For the last 3 I have.t looked, we are near closing hours. And you do not have time to read theme.

I look up in surprise. The woman is about 45 years, with a gentle, resigned attitude. She looks ready to pity me while discreetly suggesting to go out spending my time somewhere else. It is Friday after all.

– Excuse me but it is only a quarter to five?!

– So? We are closing at 6.

The lady washed away from her forehead some imaginary drops of sweat, growing impatient by the minute. What did I not understand? Clarifying such a simple thing….

– Can you tell me how the weekly program goes? It closes early today because is Friday?

– Ah, no … Monday, Wednesday and Friday we are open from 10 am to 18.00 and on Tuesday and Thursday from 12.00 to 20.00. Next time try to come early.

So that’s it! I had to come sooner! To leave from work earlier! If you are a student, skip college in order to study at the library. Or maybe I could come in the weekends. No? No …

– Oh no, on Saturday and Sunday the Library is closed.

No problem what so ever. On weekends students go to club anyway. The rest of us do the cleaning, pay the bills, do the groceries. No time for books in weekend so it’s no need to force some poor state employees to come to work on Saturday or Sunday. Logic, right?

5:20 p.m.

I finish going through the pages of the two books and direct myself to the Xerox point for copying a few pages. Notta benne: the institution internal regulation says that you are allowed to take up to a maximum of 30 pictures (something like) from the book that you need. The rest will be copied by using the Library equipment.

– Good day. Where’s the Xerox machine situated?

– There’s no such thing…

And here it was: that scene in each film when one replica leaves everybody speechless! And in the background crickets are heard “Cri-cri-cri” …

– So what am I supposed to do?

– You can photograph more than 30 pages. There’s no one checking.

– You do not have a scanner by chance? I have a memory stick.

– We do not have Xerox and you ask for scanners?

Right! After a 200 million euros loan there were no money left for two copying machines. And it is true, in April 2012 when the building was inaugurated the Ministry of Culture representatives said that the services will be gradually put in order. Now, now, why rushing?

5:50 p.m.

Defeated I take my coat from the wardrobe when the library speakers come alive: “Dear visitors, the library will close soon. We welcome you tomorrow”. But tomorrow is Saturday and it’s closed on weekends. And between you and me, nor you care in the rest of the days. Thank for nothing.

What you read above is a real story. No character is fictional. The conclusion of the day: go early and make sure you have a lot of patience. It’s one of those absurd – it’s not happening to me – situation!

This post is also available in: Romanian