We've traveled from Jakarta to Sigli with an overnight stay in Banda Aceh. Things are changing in Banda as many NGO's have left. Many locals are using the hotel and probably outnumber the NGO types that were very present before. We have been greeted warmly as before by the staff who are by now quite familiar with us after so many trips.
Interesting menu anecdote in reviewing the menu last night we had a good giggle at the English translations - one could order tepid nachos and lukewarm apple crisp- understandable but it has an effect of the selections one makes that might not be anticipated by the author.
One of our favorites Rommell has left to a better job in Medan- he was always ready to share some crazy stories and laugh away. Dawna is so on the ball she brought a couple of snaps from an event we attended at the hotel last time and the staff member was thrilled with the thoughtfulness.
The Sigli library is filled to the brim with students everyday. The challenge for the staff will be to also attract more adults and families. In any event the books are being read and borrowed and the place is hopping.
When we visited however it was a very rainy day and just like a snow day in Toronto heavy rains can keep customers and staff from getting to the library.
On Thursday and Friday we conducted stakeholder interviews with various library staff and customers. We had a delightful interview with two young boys - who reported that they were loving the new space especially the colourful children's area and does this sound familiar they reported that library staff booted them from the public computers because they were playing games. And in this case they had lined up and paid for an hour but the use was not deemed to be serious enough. We'll be talking with staff about this customer service approach.
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2 comments:
Bravo Dawna for remembering those snapshots.
I'm glad to hear you are advocating
for the game playing children. It does sound familiar.
There are 80 Canadian tourists stranded at Bangkok's airport trying to find a away out.
The protesters said today they are ready for a prolonged siege and dug in behind a series of barricades of fire trucks, razor wire, car tires and luggage strollers. Strollers!
It's best you've changed your plans already.
xo
mattsdad
Too bad that Albion's youth librarians didn't accompany you. Forget Internet games for the kids... they'd have a program featuring Wiis and x-box 360s going full tilt. Now THAT'S a customer service approach!
BTW, it's nice to hear that it wasn't one of you who fell out of the banana boat. Your previous adventures would make such a ride a distinct possibility. ;)
Wishing you continued success,
David
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