grace grits and gardening - ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

I spent yesterday afternoon at my neighborhood library. I’m enrolled in a children’s picture book writing course that comes with homework. Time consuming homework involving children’s library books…

I was deep in thought, midway through the assignment with half a dozen story books spread across the table, along with my MacBook, paper and pens when Librarian Lady (LL) approached me…

LL: Do you have any kids?

Me: Yes. (Does she know my brilliant kids?)

LL: Where are they?

Me: One’s in college, one works for the Texas Legislature. (beaming proudly)

LL: You can’t be here. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.

Me: Wait, what?

LL: You can’t be in the children’s section of the library without kids.

Me: Really? Why? (There was not one single solitary person in the children’s area which comprised one-third of the library.)

LL: You can take your time leaving.

WOW.

What would Dr. Seuss think?

Would he, could he like this rule?
I think not,
this was not cool.

Is this normal library policy nowadays? Did she think I was some type of perv, loitering in the kiddie area? I was not talking or texting or eating or drinking or laughing or coughing or sneezing or snoring. Obviously, I was working on a children’s project…

I gathered up all my belonging and the picture books, wondering if Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile was even allowed to move from the children’s area…

Could I, should I move the book?
Would a buzzer buzz?
Will she think me a crook?

As I slinked over to a more appropriate spot in the old people zone, I felt that same terrible feeling I experience when I accidentally wander into the petite section of Ann Taylor. At least Ann Taylor salespeople humor me until I stumble back the department more fitting for me.

I’ve never been asked to leave a library before. Even a department.

talya

Where Do The Children Play? – Cat Stevens

I like nonsense. It wakes up the brain cells. -Dr. Seuss