|
Public Employee Press
BLACKOUT HEROES
Sticking together
When the electricity went off on
Aug. 14, Library Page George Avery was stuck on the third floor of the
Library for the Blind in Manhattan.
For the wheelchair-bound worker, there was no way out. The elevator didnt
work, and other staffers couldnt carry the man and his electric
wheelchair downstairs.
But he felt tremendously comforted when several co-workers decided to
remain at the library until he could leave. There was a feeling
of solidarity among us, said Principal Librarian Bonnie Farrier,
a member of New York Public Library Guild Local 1930.
Office Associate 3 Carol Thomas, the locals treasurer, stayed on
the third floor all night. Six Firefighters arrived in the early evening.
But they pointed out that Mr. Avery was physically safe, then left to
rescue people stuck in elevators. He was concerned that people were
staying just because of him. But we were all calm. We listened to a battery-operated
radio and told jokes, Ms. Thomas said.
The other staffers who remained were Supervising Librarian Rachelle Stein,
Senior Librarian Burke Mortimer and Custodian Miguel Sanchez, a member
of Local 374. Ms. Farrier distributed stuffed animals from the childrens
area to keep the staff cozy through the night.
The library workers went home the following morning after Firefighters
and Emergency Medical Service workers arrived and took Mr. Avery to the
first floor. It was a crazy night, he said. Carol and
the others were great.
GNH
| |