Great party last night. Ok, so it didn't go on that long. Some teachers of my acquaintance who were also having their Christmas party last night (and who went on till well after midnight) ribbed me about librarians really knowing how to party when we were going to be thrown out at 8pm. But the team who must lock up couldn't be kept up too late!

The Head had arranged food (lots - and much better than the conference the day before) and kindly bought drinks himself. As we could get into the new extension the event was held in the new atrium. Strict instructions, naturally, not to spill anything on the new carpeting! The loans team took care of the music and my senior colleague who'd sorted the food and drink installed himself as barman behind the long and brandnew issue desk which became an impromtu bar.

Some of the chief builders attended too, the President and 'our' PVC made an appearance, and the odd family relation turned up as well. With a retirement to take care of as well the Head made a few remarks including news that the PVC had agreed to some monetary recompense for putting up with the delays [1] , and the building company were even kind enough to have a gift of a bottle of wine for every member of staff.

It was great to see the smiles on so many faces as we variously took ourselves around the floors, bridges, empty shelves, new offices, vast cupboards and the like with drinks in hand. And the smiles were before the gift announcements and much alcohol had been consumed so it was pretty clear that everyone was very pleased with how the place looked. Of course, it remains to be seen how it all works in practice. But it does look good.

And kind of makes me wish I'd started work at TheOldPlace just a little earlier and seen the same process. (I'd always been led to believe that I was well out of all the chaos that reigned as the building work then had been finished.)

And just before we left? Yes, someone managed to spill wine on the new carpet. Close to me - but nothing to do with me which was a relief! Never fear. My senior colleague announced that he was good at soaking up alcohol. And promptly did so doubly by finishing off his wine and getting down with paper towels to work on the floor and demonstrate that the new carpet was actually remarkably resilient to such abuse.

[1] Which of course immediately made me feel guilty because I've not strictly put up with all the hassle having only been here a dog watch. Ah well.