The Day After D&D

I roll into the library at 7:25 AM so my daughter can make it to class on time. This morning, I am feeling it.

Last night was a D&D night, which means the library looks like it got hit by a tornado. (And, honestly, so do I.) There are papers everywhere, dice in places dice should not be, and an overwhelming sense of controlled chaos lingering in the air. BUT! Let’s take a moment to appreciate these spotless carpets, courtesy of the Byron Area Schools janitorial staff. Absolute legends.

Now, let me show you the view from behind my desk. (This feels like inviting you into my messy house- please, be kind. I’m dying inside.) I didn’t finish unpacking deliveries, and the whole place is a bit of a disaster zone. We’re embracing it. It’s fine.

Speaking of D&D, let me tell you about a truly ambitious mistake I made as a bright-eyed, eager new librarian: I once promised my DM that I’d cook a new recipe from the Dungeons & Dragons Cookbook every week. Every. Single. Week. Past Me had no idea what kind of commitment that was.

Anyway, last night’s culinary adventure was halfling oatmeal sweet nibbles (a.k.a. oatmeal chocolate chip cookies). And let me tell you- twelve teenagers can demolish two full batches of cookies at speeds that defy all logic. It was impressive. Terrifying, but impressive.

The view of my desk featuring the kids’ drawings of their Dungeons and Dragons characters.

And because my favorite part of running these games is watching the kids’ creativity unfold, I need you to check out their drawings of their D&D characters. These are masterpieces. Pure gold. I could not be more proud.

At the end of the day, despite the mess, despite the exhaustion, despite the cookie-related destruction- I love this job. I get to build a space where kids can be creative, chaotic, and kind. What an absolute privilege.

And it’s not just D&D nights keeping things exciting around here! On Monday, we hosted a Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, and let me tell you- it was epic. The grand prize? A hollow chocolate bunny named Parsnip Pete. The winning student found the hidden leprechaun, secured victory, and was beyond stoked. Seeing that level of excitement over a silly (but very official) chocolate-fueled triumph? Absolutely priceless.

And tonight, I’m shifting gears from fantasy adventures to tech literacy with a Smartphones for Seniors workshop. It’s a big deal- front page news material. (No, really- it made the front page of the paper!) Before working inside of a high school I was convinced I wanted to dedicate my life to helping seniors, so I am really looking forward to this workshop!

So, yeah. This week has been a whirlwind, but what a good whirlwind. Now, time to caffeinate and start putting my library back together. Wish me luck!