A Phone Call of Great Import and Necessity

A phone call I received recently: Me: Benbrook Library, how can I help you? Patron: I have two books checked out from your library that are due tomorrow. Me (cheerily-yet-expectantly, anticipating a renewal request): OK. Patron: I’ll bring them back tomorrow. Unless I can’t make it there tomorrow; then I’ll bring them back the next … Continue reading →

When You Need Info, Ask a Librarian (Even if You’re Not at the Library)

Earlier this week, I took a trip to GameStop to pick up some Guitar Hero games for the tournament we held last night at our monthly Game Night program (little did college me know that all the hours he spent digitally shredding Carry On Wayward Son would someday inform professional me’s work). While there, I … Continue reading →

Calcu-Never? Using Math as an Adult

Earlier this week, I was approached by who I’m assuming was a middle school-aged child and asked to help him with a math problem he was having trouble with. Simultaneously flattered and terrified, I trepidatiously followed him to our Teen Room and hoped for something improbably simple, like good ol’ solving for X, but expected … Continue reading →

The Truth is Out There

A phone call I received earlier this week: Me: Benbrook Library, how can I help you? Patron (a bit breathlessly): I’m looking for aliens. Me (apprehensive because this is either going to be delightfully straightforward or an impossibly nebulous Mulder and Scully situation, very tentatively): …Are you looking for the *movie* Aliens? Patron: Yes. Me … Continue reading →

Beyond the Call of Duty?

When a phone call begins with, “I’m sorry, this is probably going to be the strangest thing someone has asked you to do,” the natural reaction is mild-to-severe concern, with a hearty pinch of curiosity. What is this person about to request of me? Steal a car? Flush the toilet and tell her which direction … Continue reading →

We Don’t Care Too Much For Money, Money Can’t Buy Our Books

The other day, a library patron called to let us know she really liked a particular book she had checked out from us (that’s good), and she wanted to know how she could go about buying the book from us (that’s…less good. And kind of strange). We make it a point to be as accommodating … Continue reading →

Cataloging Library Help Seekers

The other day, I had a patron approach me and ask for help in a mildly terrifying, heretofore-unexperienced way: as I was seated at the Information Desk with my focus on my computer screen, she soundlessly materialized behind me, Mr. Deeds’ butler-style, and dramatically whispered, “I need your help.” Startled, I turned around to see … Continue reading →

Getting an Image From Screen to Paper: There’s a Better Way

Last week, a library patron showed me something new in attempted technological ingenuity when she tried to make a photocopy of her phone screen. Before you make fun, consider 1) putting something you’d like a copy of into a machine that makes copies isn’t the craziest thing and 2) there are way dumber things to … Continue reading →

Total Eclipse (Glasses) of the Heart

The following should be read/sung to the tune of Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”   Telephone, every time it rings we get a similar question that’s all too familiar now Telephone, every single caller wants a specific something we regretfully just cannot provide Telephone, every other minute there’s a new hopeful person seeking … Continue reading →

The Library: Decidedly Not the Post Office

  A phone call I received earlier this week: Me: Benbrook Library, how can I help you? Patron: Did you know that I haven’t gotten any mail in three days? Nobody on my street has gotten any either. It just stopped coming. What is going on? *Brief expectant pause* Me (sympathetic, but confused): I’m sorry … Continue reading →