One Degree of Separation Read Online Free PDF

Librarian turning into the sizable building.
    “Plus they have fiction and videos.”
    “There’s an idea.” Liddy thanked him for the advice, checked out the three additional books she’d decided on, and headed into the sunset swelter.
    Parking the Hummer near the Pedestrian Mall was another chore. Maybe she should settle her student loans and buy something more practical. One of those hybrids that would get her home to California on one tank of gas, maybe. Or a nice Jeep. A Jeep could be fun and practical. Of course it would never double as a moving van.
    The Hummer had held a ton of crap and left plenty of room for sleeping, even if one morning she’d woken up with the winch in her back.
    Standing in the nonfiction area, she realized her reference number for the text was the Library of Congress method and of course the public library used the Dewey Decimal System. There were no terminals free to look it up again and suddenly the rows seemed very long. She could guess roughly where the book ought to be, but sharp hunger pangs were making it hard to think.
    She knew closing time had to be fast approaching. Discouraged, she almost left, but her roaming glance caught sight of a sign for the reference desk. The librarians would have their own terminals.
    The woman at the desk was huddled over something as Liddy approached, but she abruptly looked up. Oh, Liddy thought in surprise. Marian again.
    “May I help you find a resource?”
    If Marian recognized her it didn’t show. “I have a Library of Congress number for something I need,” she began hesitantly.
    “The title is good enough. Allow me to look up the shelf location for you, if we have it.” Marian took the proffered paper and tapped rapidly on her keyboard. “We do, and I show it on the shelf. And this . . .” She wrote a number series neatly on the paper. “This is your call number.”
    Encouraged, Liddy refused the businesslike offer to help her find it, and hurried away after pleased thanks. She thumbed through the book quickly. Yes, it would be useful. Great bibliography on women and medical ethics, too. Her employer was bound to be interested in that topic.
    Marian the Librarian smiled pleasantly when Liddy returned.
    “Did you find everything you were interested in?”

    “Yes, thank you. I don’t have a library card, though.”
    “No problem. Do you have a valid driver’s license?”
    “Yes, but California.” She dug in her pocket.
    “As long as it’s current. You need a local address, even if it’s temporary. Here’s the form. Do you need a pen?”
    “Nope.” She flipped open her little billfold that held her license and credit card.
    Marian glanced at the license, then said, “Actually, I’m not the one to show that to. When you’ve completed the form you can take it to the circulation desk and they’ll give you the card and check out the book to you. That’s when you’ll need your ID.”
    “How long can I have this book for, do you know?”
    “Two renewals for four weeks can be completed online as long as it hasn’t been reserved by someone else. And I’m pretty sure this one won’t be in high demand. The total time, therefore, would be twelve weeks, including the initial checkout period.” Liddy blinked, not used to such ready information so clearly provided. “That will cover my stay here, thank you.” She felt awkward, for just a moment, as if she should acknowledge their earlier meeting. Finally, she gestured a wave with the book.
    “Happy reading.” Marian looked behind Liddy. “May I help you find a resource?”
    “I’m still looking for a phone number in Dallas.” As she walked toward the checkout area Liddy was aware of the measured, patient tone of Marian’s voice, completely at odds with the rude edge of the woman she was helping.
    There was not enough money on the planet to make her work with the public, Liddy thought. Swear to freakin’ god.
    She was out on the sidewalk before she identified a