New library mascot

This morning at work I was making my usual rounds, turning on the computers, when I noticed something odd-looking next to one of the student workstations. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a giant cockroach. (Well, actually, it appeared to be a giant cockroach, but since I had actually never been that close to giant cockroaches in my sheltered suburban life, I had to check Google Images to confirm that it was, in fact, a giant cockroach.)

I went to whack it with a big, heavy book from my discard pile, but it scooted behind the computer. I went to regroup and put my lunch in the refrigerator, and when I came back, it was gone. After a minute or two of timid inspection, I discovered it on the ceiling, in the far corner. Apparently it was a giant flying cockroach.

So I kicked off my high heels, dragged over a chair, grabbed my book, and thought, I don't get paid enough for this. So I left the facilities manager a message and the cockroach hung out on the ceiling for an hour and a half until someone arrived to retrieve him. Luckily he wasn't in the same area of the library as my desk. I debated mentioning him to the students who came in, but decided not to. They didn't seem to bother each other.

Eventually someone from the building came and retrieved him. After the fact I found out that one of the painting instructors collects them. He keeps them in an aquarium on his desk until they die, and then he pins them to his bulletin board. And makes little outfits for them.

Oh, and apparently there are tons of them in our building--particularly in the student lounge and locker areas (big shock). I've just never encountered one until now. Good to know.