Several absurdities

First of all, patrons are the lifeblood of any library. They are the ONLY reason that we are there. They enjoy what we do for them and enjoy our 'product.'

However--(there always is a however, isn't there?)--some patrons are more lovable, or cuter, or daffier than others. Then there are the very interesting ones.

We hear almost anything at the library. We are like hair stylists and bartenders and others that hear the most intimate details of people's lives. We become more than a library assistant. We become someone to listen. Most of us (though not all, by any means!) love to talk about our lives. And librarians learn to listen and listen well. After all, it's part of our job (and our joy, too).

These are good people. All of our patrons are good people--some where, some time. But I had a patron who wanted to strike a bargain. He promised that this was the first time that he had ever had a fine and he had learned his lesson. He offered to pay $10.00 of his $25.00 fine and that he would never have another fine. He promised.

Ho, boy. He was 20-something and thought that was all he needed to do. Again, ho, boy. Can I pay half of my mortgage next month? I've learned my lesson. Life is tough and I promise not to have another mortgage with this company again. Go figure.

Absurdity number 2: Envision trying to eat a Dilly Bar while checking in books. Ha! It can be done! The chocolate covered bars, not the caramel!

Absurdity number 3: Very carefully and permanently attaching a wood shelf to metal shelf supports and then precariously hanging it on unstable shelf uprights. Disaster waiting to happen. Husband to the rescue (at least as soon as he can!).

How many more strange things do you want to read about. Just tell me. I'll do my best to come up with more information than you could possibly imagine. Just leave a comment for me.

If you dare.

Absurdly,
Pat