Chapter 9

Friday Night Movie

Friday afternoon, 4:00 p.m.

The sciences meeting went well. On the way back to my office I met Christine Moorhouse in the hall. She’s a professor of art history. We’ve been friends for several years, since she was on the library dean search committee that had given President Beck a strong recommendation for my employment.

“John, I haven’t seen you this month, how have you been?”

“Christine, good to see you.” I was glad to see her. “Been a busy month so far; we had a state online meeting for three days this week; back into routines today. Always too many meetings on Friday. How have you been?”

“All is good in the art department and I’m glad you’re back today. There’s a foreign film at Crimson Coyote tonight I think you’d like.”

Our Crimson Coyote is a favorite hangout. Independent films are often featured; experimental, foreign, art, they all appeal to students, faculty, intellectuals and the polymaths among us.

“What is it?” I was interested.

“ ‘The Last Library.’ Have you heard of it? It’s about your favorite time in history.”

“Hmmm, I wonder when that would be?”

“I know exactly, the fifth century of course.” She grinned, she could tell I hadn’t heard of the movie so it was a fine surprise.

“Sure, I’d definitely like to see that; and you’re right I think it’s an interesting subject. I haven’t paid attention to any of the movies lately.” My mind went into high gear.

So there’s a movie in town about a time and place I’m fascinated by; and I just received a codex written by a librarian who lived then and there. Very interesting.

“Alright, I’ll pick you up at seven o’clock. Let’s stop at the deli, and catch the eight-thirty showing. I didn’t want to see this film without a librarian who’d explain it to me afterward.” She laughed.

“Thanks for asking me. That’s a subject full of mystery, and I’d have been very disappointed if I only found out about it after it was gone. See you at seven.” I smiled. She had perfect timing, I needed a little fun.

On the way home, I thought about my interview for this job. She’d done her homework on my background and research interests and asked some rather pointed questions about how I saw the role of the library in a university setting.

We run into each other once in a while on campus and have had coffee in the student center a few times. Most days I meet and work with people who are much smarter than I am, and I put her in that category. I’m careful in this world of academics to keep relationships friendly and not too personal as I want to get along with everyone.

Supper and a movie with Christine will be a nice break after this long day of serious meetings.

 NEXT.....Chapter 10
Two Codices