I love books! I think I wrote about this in a previous post but it's true - I really do love books! Of course, I love to read them but I also love to just be around them. Bookstores and libraries are two of my favorite places; places that I rarely visit because I have 3 children who don't know how to sit still or be quiet. For a more vivid description of my last experience taking my children to the library you can read this post.
So when I had three hours of free babysitting this afternoon, the first place I went was the library. I had so much fun wandering the aisles all by myself! I wasn't really looking for anything specific. I just picked out random books that looked interesting. I ended up checking out eleven books which is a bit ironic since I just returned a book (after renewing it twice) without reading it because I just don't have time to sit down and read for hours. Did I mention that I have three kids?
As I set my books down on the magical pad that knows just which books you are checking out, I scanned my library card to discover that I owed a fine of ten dollars. See, this is why I don't go to the library! Besides having children who misbehave, I always turn in our books late. So, the computer screen informed me that I was no longer eligible for self-checkout and I must ask an employee for assistance.
As I held out my library card along with my debit card to the librarian, she proceeded to show me how many times I have turned in an overdue book since obtaining my library card in 2004!
Are you kidding me?! Just take my debit card!
She informed me that she would waive the fee. What?! I was so relieved! (One of the reasons I chose to go to the library was because it is free.) As I expressed my appreciation, she said, "Don't thank me. I see people like you in here everyday. You turn in your books late continually. I am not doing you any favors here. You will continue to do this." What?! Excuse me, I am willing to pay your stupid fine and you are lecturing me?! Why don't you save your lecture for all of the people who are going to argue with you and refuse to hand over the money that is rightfully yours?!
Then she says, "Do you understand that you can renew your books online? You can even call and if a librarian is not busy, you can renew over the phone. Do you understand?" I nodded. She goes on to say, "I am going to make a note on your account that I explained the renewal process to you." I am completely in shock. This crazy lady is on some sort of power trip! As I hung my head in shame, she points to the computer monitor where she typed, 'EXPLAINED RENEWAL PROCEEDURE. -PAT'
Well, Pat, thank you very much. See you next year.
4 comments:
I read 24 carat kids....I won't tell u what I thought til you read it.....happy reading friend, Laura
Librarian AKA Super Freak, I'd totally wanna say blah, blah ,blah you must have me confused with someone who gives a..........
You crack me up! Even though our paths have not really crossed since Biola, I greatly enjoy the laughter your life provides, haha. :)
I laughed so hard reading this post, I could barely get through it. Only a mom can truly see both the humor and horror in this story :) Oh and thanks for referring back to your previous library post, it gave me another good laugh :)
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