Chapter 25 — Second Floor Library Girl

The plan to maintain the library was written without the sponsor's name, so right from the first page it made some people uncomfortable.

“If there is no logo, people will not know who paid,” Bao said.

“That's what we want,” Lam replied.

Phuc looked at the budget board. "It's not hidden. Just don't let the sponsor decide the content."

Ngoc's plan consists of four parts: structural repair, access, operation and evaluation. Each section has goals, costs, deadlines, who is responsible, and how to respond. An Nhien is listed in the “possible source of support” column, along with school, neighborhood and small donations.

Father Ngoc sent a sponsorship request but agreed not to name it if the group chose to do so. He also requested an independent review after six months. Ngoc sees that as a good thing, but she doesn't want to praise herself.

The advisory group meets three times. Some people want to build a new one right away because they are afraid it will cost money to fix it. Some people want to keep it the same for fear of losing their memories. Hoang Duy proposed an intermediate solution: keep the exterior and the second floor reading room, build a new block behind if there is a safe connection.

Phuc checked the diagram and discovered that the connection would cover the window if placed incorrectly. Ngoc asked An Nhien's architect, but only if the group agreed to invite. No one wants the company to design and then submit a complete plan.

“We need to ask them like experts,” Ngoc said. “Don't ask so they can do it for you.”

The workshop took place in the reading room. The architect offers three ways to keep the light. Students asked questions about noise, stairs and parking. Bao asked if it was possible to put a cake stand under the bridge. The architect said we need to look at safety regulations.

“I gave my opinion,” Bao said.

“You gave your opinion,” Minh Chau replied.

Ngoc realized that having experts does not make users lose their voice, as long as they are asked from the beginning. She wrote the diagram on large paper, marking the points the group did not understand.

Phuc looked at the drawing and said the second floor should have a lower railing so that people sitting can still see the yard. Ngoc asked if it was safe. The architect explained that a minimum height is needed, and glass or barriers can be used. Phuc recorded.

“You don't say it because you want to be beautiful,” Ngoc commented.

“I want people to remember I'm at school, not in a box.”

The plan was revised many times. One parent suggested moving the reading area to the ground floor for the convenience of people with disabilities. The group does not object, but proposes that the second floor still be a quiet space and historically connected, while the ground floor needs to have a good accessible reading area.

“So we don't keep just one room,” Lam said. “We keep the network.”

Ngoc added that sentence to the ending.

Hoang Duy asked if the intermediate option is chosen, who is responsible for ensuring that both floors do not become forgotten places. Minh Chau proposed a student library council, with a term and handover process.

Bao asked if tenure includes the right to eat cake. Ms. Hanh said yes, but outside the book area.

On the day the plan was submitted, Ngoc's signature was last, not first. She clearly stated that she was a participating student, not representing An Nhien. Her father agreed to it in writing.

Phuc looked at the signature. “Didn't you write down the last name Nguyen?”

“Yes. But no title.”

"Good."

“Are you just saying good things about these things?”

“I'm using words selectively.”

The plan was sent to the school board. They responded that they needed to supplement their financial plan after An Nhien withdrew from the new construction plan if it was rejected. That makes the group worry. If the company does not participate, will the school have enough money to fix it?

Ngoc did not call her father immediately. She asked Ms. Hanh about the public budget, asked parents about contributions, and asked the neighborhood about the book program. Each source is only partially sufficient.

Phuc said we shouldn't consider it a failure. “A good plan must survive if one person leaves.”

Ngoc nodded. She understands that a library should not depend on a rich girl or a good car mechanic.

The group set up a small fund without anyone's name, with a public ledger and contribution limits. A parent donated materials, a local bookstore donated unsold books, and a class contributed money to buy lights. An Nhien only sponsored structural and access assessments.

Bao suggested placing the sign "No exclusive sponsors". Ms. Hanh asked if it was necessary. Ngoc said there is no need to turn independence into a slogan; Let the public record speak for itself.

On the last day of inspection, workers confirmed that the second floor could be kept if three locations were reinforced and the electrical system was replaced. The access needed a combined solution: lifts in the new block, ramps on the ground floor and temporary helpers during the transition period.

Hoang Duy read and said the intermediate plan was not perfect but could be tested. Phuc said not being perfect is not a mistake, as long as there is a plan to fix it.

Ngoc looked at the group and saw that they had gone further than the first day when they just wanted to wipe the dust. They learn how to ask, record, correct, and say no when a promise is too vague.

In the evening, Phuc sent a text message: "Have you had dinner yet?"

Ngoc: "Okay. Sugar-free eggs."

Phuc: “Good.”

“Aren't you asking if it's delicious?”

“I don't want to hurt you yet.”

Ngoc smiled. “You are evil.”

Phuc: “I'm preparing the bread recipe.”

Ngoc: “No salary?”

Phuc: "Yes. You must read it all."

Ngoc opened the notebook and wrote on the last page: "A good plan doesn't need names of rescuers. It needs enough people to know what to do when it rains."

The next morning, the school board announced it would vote at the end of the month. The second floor is not yet firmly in place, but the plan has a foothold. Ngoc walked into the reading room, saw sunlight on the floor and heard the sound of students turning books.

She didn't dare call it victory. But she allowed herself to be happy.

The joy lasted for exactly one session, until the council sent a request for additional contingency plans if An Nhien was not chosen as a partner. Ngoc read the email, then forwarded it to the group before replying herself. Bao offered to sell cakes to raise funds, Lam offered to ask for books, Minh Chau offered to set up an operating schedule. Hoang Duy suggested including elevator maintenance costs.

Phuc called from the city, saying one should not choose a source before knowing its value. Ngoc asked if he still wanted An Nhien to participate. The respondent wanted the company to participate if the conditions were met, but did not want the company to be the sole reason the option was chosen.

“You sound like someone in the middle,” Ngoc said.

“I stand by the users.”

“Users don't always have the same opinion.”

“So there must be a mechanism so that disagreement does not turn into silence.”

Ngoc added that sentence to the plan. She and her team created a quarterly public feedback schedule, an anonymous feedback channel, and limited decision-making power for each role.

Bao read the plan and asked if he had the right to ban cakes in the book area. Ms. Hanh said that is a matter of internal regulations, not personal rights. Bao was disappointed but still signed.

On the day of submitting the application, Ngoc did not use a beautiful cover. She chose recycled paperboard and labeled it by hand. Phuc said the cover wrinkles easily. Ngoc replied if wrinkled If you can still read it, it's okay.

“You are learning from old books,” Phuc said.

“And from the person who returned the book late.”

Ngoc sent resume. This time she didn't keep the app open and waiting for a response. She went to stack books, then sold all the cakes at the gate with Bao. The waiting didn't go away, but she didn't let it take over her day.

A week has passed and the council has still not made a final decision. The rumors in school change directions every day. Some people say An Nhien bought the whole land, some say the second floor is definitely demolished. Ngoc heard half of it in the hallway and then stopped. She didn't want to counter with another rumor.

The group set up an internal announcement page, posting only things that have been confirmed: opening schedule, updated data, questions waiting to be answered. Bao suggested posting information about the budget as well. Ngoc agreed but hid her personal accounts and phone numbers. Minh Chau wrote a line reminding that everyone has the right to ask without leaving their name.

Phuc asked what if the council did not agree. Ngoc opened the backup table. Plan A kept the second floor intact. Plan B moves the reading room to part of the first floor during repairs. Plan C opens a community reading room at the cultural house near the school, but needs more staff and bookcases. He read it all and said at least they didn't put all their hopes in one door.

Ngoc remembers what her father once said, a good project must have a way back. Previously, she thought the way back was to admit defeat. She now understands it as a way to protect users from a sudden decision that wipes everything out.

Small book festival takes place on Saturday. People bring books, but the group only accepts books that are suitable and in good condition. A saleswoman asked to donate a whole box of old textbooks. Ngoc thanked her and explained that some books had errors in the curriculum. She offered to transfer them to another class in need. The saleswoman was a bit surprised, then nodded.

Bao sold cakes at the gate to raise money to buy light bulbs. He clearly wrote down how much each item cost, how much he spent on ingredients, and put the rest in a box where two people could check. Phuc said this approach makes him look like a reluctant accountant. Ngoc said a trustworthy person is not someone who is never wrong; is someone who can be checked by others.

At the end of the day, Ms. Hanh counted forty-three qualified books and enough money to buy light bulbs for three rooms. Not a huge number, but every amount has a source. Ngoc put the receipt in a folder, then told her father that the school could take care of part of it itself. Father replied that he was in a meeting and would read it later.

Ngoc didn't look at the phone anymore. She stayed behind to wipe the table with Phuc, listening to him tell about the practice that damaged a screw. There are afternoons when waiting still exists, but it is no longer the only thing she does.