On friday we were locked (meaning; all doors shut and locked automatically) in the library from morning to over lunch; no one could get in nor out, the air-condition system was shut down. The reason was that a suspcious package / letter had arrived leaking powder, and as we know, letters leaking powder is a scary thing.

In our case, it turned out to be a huge mistake, and the people involved have offered apologies. Now, I wasn't scared while this was going on ... until I took this picture. After this I felt a bit different - a bit hard to define, really - a physical reaction to what I saw. I at least gathered the seriousness of the situation. It wasn't long after this that rumours trickled in on what had really happened. (Bonus picture "No, don't shoot!")

Not long after we were let to know that the Linneaus Quartet (search the page; I couldn't find a website for the quartet but they really should get one, and I could make them one, so let me know, ok? :) were stuck inside too, and had agreed to play in the foyer. Me and Matthew rushed down, got some good coffee, and enjoyed a very nice concert indeed, where the highlight without a doubt was the second movement of a piece by Ravel (which I can't remember the name of, and no, it wasn't Bolero, you nimwit! Ravel has made bucketloads of other far more interesting music!). What is interesting in all of this is how it made me aware of another piece by Ravel I hadn't heard before but now has to go forth and investigate; it was quite amazing!

There was a rumour in the news that nappies were put past the security barrier, and this police officer certainly is carrying some, but no doors were opened and I suspect that these were for use once everybody got outside. I thought this was great show of understanding though, especially talking as a father of small kids. And besides, this was after we've known for a little while that it was probably sand and not any other terribly substance.

I have to say that everything went swimmingly and even though other people (those who were not trapped inside because they get paid for it) were trapped inside against their wishes, the wonderful service of the Bookplate cafe and our own librarians made everyone feel good and safe. Quite extraordinary.

Anyways, there you go; I was involved in a potential terror operation. But as I kept saying throughout; "Who the hell attack books?" No, don't get me started on that subject either. And here is a picture of my free cuppa'.

Permalink (Mon, 09 May 2005 13:00:00 GMT)| Comments (0) | General