Page 14 of The Librarian’s Familiar

Heat slid over his cheeks.

“You did get some?” The shorter one appeared concerned.

“Um, yes. I got quite a broad selection this time because I wasn’t sure what people like to read. I have a form for requests.” He picked up the piece of paper, and they both grabbed one.

“Oh, you’re getting audiobooks. Spicy ones?” The short one narrowed her gaze.

Charlie’s smile felt frozen, like he was a deer staring down a rather large truck. “Yes, plenty of them are in audiobook.”

The two women looked at each other. “Ooh, exciting. Now where are the new books? You have no idea how long we’ve been waiting⁠—”

“And asking,” the other one added.

“For someone to start giving a damn about our library.”

“Glad to be of service. I haven’t shelved the romance novels yet, but I can show them to you and get them in the system if you’re happy to wait a few minutes.”

“We’ll take one each today and come back in a couple of days for more.”

“Imagine not having to ration new books!”

Charlie ran his fingers through his hair. “You know you can buy books online?”

“Of course we do, but who has the money for that? Sometimes my granddaughter brings new books, but not too many because of the weight.”

The other woman nodded sagely. “Getting things brought in isn’t cheap. But you must have so much budget to spend since your predecessor didn’t spend a dime.”

“I’m doing my best, but I can’t spend it all on steamy romance novels. I should have the digital borrowing set up in the next couple of weeks, which will open up the collection.”

“And do we need something special to read them?”

“Just your phone.” He was going to need to hold talks or education sessions. He guided them over to the stack of books waiting for his attention and pulled out five that he thought they might be interested in.

They read the backs, nodding and pointing. “These two, and what have you already got on the shelf?”

“Aside from the picture books, which are on display, there are some new young adult books. I think they’ll stand out.”

“We’ll have a look while you do what you need to do with those books.” They walked off to check out the display of new books, taking their time to examine each one before heading over to the young adult section, where he’d also made a special shelf for new books.

He had no doubt they’d read everything in the tiny library, and getting new books was the highlight of the year. He logged the two books and printed out stickers for their spine before stamping them with the library name.

They returned with one extra book each and handed over their library cards. “We don’t want to take them all.”

“That’s very considerate.”

“When word gets around, all these new books will be checked out in a heartbeat.” The tall one said as if she couldn’t believe they weren’t gone already. She was a North.

Probably related to August, but she wasn’t a polar bear, which meant she’d married into the family, or her mother had, or her grandmother.

“I hope so, that’s what they’re here for.” He tucked the due slip inside the front cover and handed over her books. “Enjoy.”

“Oh, we will.” They laughed and headed out with their haul.

They’d spread the word that new books had arrived.

He glanced at the stack and realized he was going to have to work a bit faster, both for them and everyone they told.

CHAPTER NINE