When I lived in Cambridge, I could go to three different branches of the Cambridge Public Library from my apartment by walking a mile in three different directions.

Now, I must drive 3.5 miles to the nearest library.  During my first visit there, I reserved a new book I was eager to read.  I received an email the other day saying they were holding the book for me.

I was sure I remembered how to get to the library.  However, I got hopelessly lost and had to resort to my phone.  In the library I saw a big “reserved” sign and went directly to the “K” shelf.  However, my reserved book was not there. Blaming myself for missing the pickup deadline, I went to the desk to reserve it again.  The librarian checked and she said it was still waiting for me on the reserved shelf.  When I pointed out to her that I had looked there, she informed me that I had looked on the reserved-for-children shelf, and the adult reserved books were in a different location.  Sure enough, my book was there.

First, I couldn’t find the library.  Then I couldn’t find the right reserved shelf.  It’s just plain hard to be

A new girl in town.