Guess what? I managed to spend Friday afternoon at the Lakewood Library without causing a stink. In fact, I believe I redeemed myself.
Although I was concerned about returning after my last awkward visit, I had research to complete for my children’s book class, and I was too lazy to drive to another library branch. Plus really, should I be forced to do that?
There were no WANTED posters with my picture or blog name. I considered this a positive.
I made no eye contact but went straight to the children’s section which was empty—no adults or kids, only me. I did not dare sit in that section but searched for the books I needed and casually walked to the adult section to read. So far, so good.
After about an hour, I slipped back into the children’s section to re-shelf my books. There, in the same area I was not welcome a few weeks ago, sat a lady with no kids, talking on her cell phone.
Oh, this woman was toast…
I instantly became nervous for her, knowing a librarian would soon swoop down to exile her into the adult area, slapping her wrist for talking on a cell phone (which I fully supported {the cell phone slap not the exile part}.
I considered warning her, but still trying to lay low I said not a word, returned my books and then bravely queued up to speak to the lady at the front desk. I was there to confess I lost my library card—hadn’t seen it in fifteen years and needed a new card. I prayed she would not recognize my face or name.
She was friendly and helpful and told me a replacement card was $4.00 which I paid. Then she told me I owed $1.50 in fines.
I almost said, “For what? When? I haven’t checked out a book in forever, whine whine whine.”
But I didn’t.
I stopped myself...
I was determined to follow the rules, to be in good standing with the library, to again freely surround myself among books.
I paid the fine but wondered if I had been charged $1.50 for loitering in the children’s section last month?
Bygones.
I am proud to say I am a replacement-card-carrying, in-good-standing, library member. But, when I left, that woman will still sitting alone in the children’s section! Very sketchy, if you asked me.
talya
Musical Pairing:
P.S. in case you missed the first part of the story….Asked To Leave
That’s where we differ, I’m direct, give me an answer, & I would have said I’m appauled at you for allowing a lady to talk on her phone, then I would have looked down my nose & walked out. If I owe, I will pay but I would have asked for an invoice. But that’s me & glad your back in good standing.
If it had been any significant amount of money, I would have quizzed her Angi. I’m sure it was some overdue book fine from when I took the kids there ten years ago. I think people get what’s coming to them without me raising a stink:)
I love your attitude! You wouldn’t believe the stink that some people raise at our library when they are totally guilty and they know it!
appalled, lol
Yes they do & love your blogs. Keep them coming.
I’d probably snitched on the cell=phone person!!
Oh, if cell phones were the only problem at the library in my South Dakota town. I seldom go there as people who need a place to go when it is cold take all of the chairs, study rooms, and tables, are far from quiet, and panhandle. Last week a guy pulled a large knife on the fellow library patrons, ran from the library, and ended up being shot by police. I’m surprised that hadn’t happened before. They hired a security guard the next day.
oh my!
I’m glad to know you are back good standing with the library police!