I just had one of those great "right place at the right time" moments

I was in the Library lobby dismantling an exhibit, when a gentleman came in to drop off his old batteries in the recycle bin. After he dumped in several bags full, I commented, "Boy, you’ve really been saving them up!" He explained that he is a teacher whose students bring their used batteries to the classroom and that once a month, he takes them to a recycling location. As we talked, he noticed our blackboard announcement of the upcoming "Science Fair Fun and Success" program. He asked about it and I explained that it was designed to give kids resources and ideas for successful science fair projects, with a little fun tossed in, for good measure.

It turned out that the fellow teaches 8^th grade science and he said that this Library program sounded like a great opportunity for his students. He even decided on the spot that he’d give his students extra credit if they attended. As I was handing him a stack of flyers to distribute at school, in walked three of his students. They greeted their teacher who, in turn, told them all about the program. He handed around flyers, and the kids all seemed very interested!

Those young men were probably coming into the Library to do some homework, or to hang out with their friends. But, because of this little serendipitous meeting, they might just end up with a better science fair project. Or with that extra credit, maybe they’ll get a better grade in science. And who knows? Maybe one of them will grow up to be a scientist! Oh, I know I’m speculating a bit wildly, but I truly believe that the Library is a place where people often learn about something that can make a difference in their lives. And, if nothing else comes of this little "right place at the right time" moment, it provided me with an opportunity to remind you of one more thing you can do at the Library: recycle your old batteries!