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. 

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