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not Wanted!

February 25, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner 9 Comments

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:
Librarian, Haunted Love
P.S. in case you missed the first part of the story….Asked To Leave

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: Dallas, Library

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Comments

  1. Angi Cartwright says

    February 25, 2013 at 7:24 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 25, 2013 at 11:38 am

      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:)

      Reply
    • Colene says

      February 25, 2013 at 2:23 pm

      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!

      Reply
  2. Angi Cartwright says

    February 25, 2013 at 7:32 am

    appalled, lol

    Reply
  3. Angi Cartwright says

    February 25, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    Yes they do & love your blogs. Keep them coming.

    Reply
  4. Patricia A. Laster says

    February 26, 2013 at 5:38 am

    I’d probably snitched on the cell=phone person!!

    Reply
  5. Lauralew says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:11 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 28, 2013 at 8:04 pm

      oh my!

      Reply
  6. Dorothy Latimer Johnson says

    February 28, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    I’m glad to know you are back good standing with the library police!

    Reply

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Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

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