Mr. Rodgers casts out demons

I have such fond memories of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood."  From the Trolley to Mr. McFeely the mailman guy, my favorite was always the visits to factories to see how things were made. The puppets creeped me out, but overall, fond memories.  

This story is not about that Mr. Rogers, it's about Mr. Rodgers spelled with a "d."  Mr. Rodgers is not "a regular", more of a frequent flyer.  He comes in every few months, some times only twice a year.  I've waited on him several times over the years, usually to Notarize random foreign documents for him.  Since I've become the director, he seems even more fond of me.  When he comes into the library, he walks directly into my office.  He doesn't stop at the circulation desk, doesn't hesitate at my office door (even if someone is already in my office), no, he just walks right in and sits down.  He never really gets right to the point of his visit, but like always, it usually ends with him needing something notarized.

Well, last week while I was working the circulation desk,  I noticed he was in the library.  But this time he was not alone.  There were three other people with him.  I immediately took notice, because, he has always come in alone in the past.  I mean always.  The three people with him were obviously new to the area, one (a male) I'm guessing was closer in age to Mr. Rodgers (late 50s early 60s), the other two were obviously a couple (male and female) and younger, I'd say early 20s.  The younger male got a library card using his Colorado Driver's License.  The three meandered around the library loudly and Mr. Rodgers seemed to be following them around concerned.   After about 30 minutes, the three acquaintances of Mr. Rodgers left and he approached the circulation desk.  He let out a long sigh, looked at me, and said "my new house guests."  I said "I wasn't going to ask."  He said they were all from Texas (a fact I found interesting since one of them had a Colorado Driver's License).

In any case, Mr. Rodgers spent the next 20-30 minutes telling me about how he came to open up his house to this crew.  He started his story with "Do you know Jesus?"  Now usually, this is where I mention that I'm Catholic and that normally deters any further pursuit of people asking if I've asked Jesus into my heart.  But Mr. Rodgers never gave me the chance to talk.  He spoke non-stop about his experiences with a local pastor who cast the demons out of one of his house guests.  Now who am I to say whether the man was possessed by demons or just crazy, but Mr. Rodgers believed 100 percent in this pastor's abilities to cast out demons and expected that I did too.  Of course, I just implemented my "smile and nod response" and prayed that his story would end before Jesus's second coming.

Mr. Imback

Although it has been awhile since I've "blogged" it is certainly not because I have a lack of material.  No, the library is just as crazy as ever.  I'm writing tonight because I am officially done with this semester of school and I had quite a funny encounter with one of our regulars a couple of days ago.

About six months ago a rough gentleman began frequenting the library for several hours a day numerous days a week.  He claimed to be taking online courses inorder to increase his chances of acquiring a job.  He pretty much kept to himself and never really caused any trouble.  He was....shall we say unkept, and resembled more of a homeless man than a prosective employee.  His appearence and regularly lengthy visits got him lumped in as one of the regulars.  His nickname comes from what he said, more like sang, everytime he came in the front doors...."I'm baaack".  One of my co-workers started calling him Mr.Imback, and that has been his name ever since.  About a month ago he got into a very loud argument with one of his "tutors" and a shouting match insued.  The lady with whom he was arguing threw her arms up and shouted something about not putting up with him any longer and stormed out the door.  Since then Mr. Imback has not been back as often.  A couple of days ago, while I was working the front desk, Mr. Imback returned to send a fax.  One of my co-workers was already sending a fax for another patron so she took Mr. Imback's fax as well.  That left me at the desk while Mr. Imback waited for his completed fax.  He proceeded to blather on, and on, and on, and on about nothing inparticular.  He then proceeded to retell his side of the "incident" with his tutor. I was trying not to be annoyed, but I was also trying to finish up a report I was working on.   Another one of my coworkers noticed my frustrations.  She got my attention from accross the library and was pointing to the cordless phone at her ear and then pointing to the ringing desk phone behind me.  See we have this code that if one of us gets "trapped" we will call the front desk from another line and then we are given a chance to break free.  Normally when we answer the phone at the library we say "Mercer County Library, may I help you?".  As I am rushing to answer the phone, knowing it is my coworker, I answer "This is the library, Please help me."  My coworker started busting out laughing so hard that I thought Mr. Imback was on to us.  However, the phone call was successful and I said something like "I'll check on that, please hold" and rushed to the back room.  After hanging out in the back room until his fax was successfully sent, I returned to the front desk.  I didn't see him anywhere and figured I'd lucked out.  I continued to work on my report for about 30 seconds and Mr. Imback came strolling through the front door..."I'm baaaack" he sang.  I nearly screamed, but smiled and was about to say something nice when his phone rang.  He answered his phone and proceeded to talk loudly into it for a couple minutes before leaving, still talking on his phone.  Turns out it was my lucky day.

Back to School

As summer is once again coming to a close and everyone is sending their kids back to school, I too am preparing for what I hope is my final year in school, the SLIS (School of Library and Information Science) program at Kent State.  Since returning to school, I have certainly learned many things.  I have made many new friends, had numerous opportunities and unique experiences.  However, the one skill I have not learned in my higher education is how to deal with the oddball requests and the wackos that I encounter in the library on a daily basis.  This must be learned on the job and will be continually tested and taught each day.  I thought I would use this post to share a couple of "now, that's a first" experiences I have recently encountered and how I dealt with them.

Just today, an "interesting" couple came into the library carrying what looked like a tall kitchen trash bag stuffed full of belongings.  They asked to use the phone and after a few minutes, they proceeded back out the front door,(odd but not unheard of).  Well, less than 30 seconds later, they came running back in, smacked the front desk and said, "is there a back way outta here?"  It took me a couple seconds to respond, but I did point to our "side" entrance and they hurried out, bag in tow.  The questions, and possible reasons are endless.  I was fully expecting someone else to come in the front looking for them, and am disappointed that I didn't get to say "they went thata way".

A few weeks ago a middle-aged adult male came into the library to ask directions, again, not uncommon.  He was seemingly normal in appearance and it wasn't until he spoke that I realized he had the biggest "dip" (smokeless chewing tobacco) in his mouth that I have EVER seen.  The amount of chew this guy had between lip and gum was nearly the size of a tennis ball.  Furthermore, he was carrying a "jug" for spitting (hey at least he wasn't swallowing or spitting on the floor/ground).  He asked how to get to a local business and my co-worker was literally speechless.  I spoke up and gave directions, he thanked us and was on his way.  After he left, I looked at my co-worker and said, "now that was a Hoss."

All of these situations proved to be challenging, but I was able to keep my composure and remain professional.  The textbooks/theories I have studied and professors I have had can not replace real world experience.  My suggestion to anyone who is going back to school to pursue a higher degree, get as much hands on experience in your desired field as possible.  Work part-time, volunteer or just hang out; and remember you are always welcome at your local public library.  I'm pretty sure library land can prepare you for most anything.

Until next time...

Summer Reading Blues

For as long as I can remember the library has bridged the gap between school years with a summer reading program for children of all ages.  Nearly every patron who takes part in the summer reading program does what is expected; frequents the library, reads books and even enjoys the program.  Each year the programs are very successful with a great number of participants.  There are, of course, a few exceptions.

The most common is the 10 year old who reads a dozen board books and sees nothing wrong with counting that as age appropriate books.  I guess maybe they haven't yet learned their colors and numbers, who am I to judge.

Each year we have the parent who will check out over 100 books every other day and insist that their child has read every single one.  "My kids don't want to go outside"  "My kids just LOVE to read"  "We read ALL the time".

For the past several years, the library has also had story and craft hours for children ages 6 to 10.  These have always be popular, VERY popular.  Thirty kids can sign up one week prior to the event, and it is usually filled up within the first hour the library is open.  The phone starts ringing 15 minutes before we open, and parents are standing outside the door waiting to sign up.  The thing is, inevitably there are about 5 kids that cancel or don't show up for the event.

A few years ago we started an Adult summer reading program.  We decided have entry forms that patrons could list 5 books they have read and then have biweekly drawings for prizes.  That way there is no need to keep track of the total number of books read by each patron.  Adult summer reading has become as successful and well received as the children's counterpart.  And just like the children's summer reading we have a few exceptions.

For instance, we have a patron who checks out, on average, 15 books (3 entry forms) a day.  Last year I made some comment to the patron along the lines of "you must really love to read".  She proceeded to tell me that she keeps track of the books she reads throughout the year and then rechecks them out during the summer reading program so she can better her chances of winning.

Another patron once asked if watching movies could be counted for the summer reading program. "Must Love Dogs is a book, I just have had a chance to read it yet."

It never ceases to amaze me how a competition can turn a seemingly normal person into a raving lunatic. Yes the library does have some pretty cool prizes, but they aren't THAT great.  In any case, please stop by your local library and join their summer reading programs.  Just don't become one of the crazies.

P.S.  Thanks Cory for nagging me to do another blog post.

FREE Computer Classes

That's right, for those of you who didn't know, you can take FREE computer classes at your local library.  I have been teaching them for over 10 years and let me tell you I have a lot of material for this month's blog post.

You would think this would be a good idea, free computer classes.  Well let me tell you, very rarely does it turn out well.  More often than not, by the end of the class I am ready for a tall drink and a hot bath.  There are currently six different classes that I teach (http://www.mercer.lib.oh.us/computer.htm) from basic computer skills to advanced internet.  Usually the basic computer class brings out the senior population in droves.  I have to admire anyone over 70 who doesn't have the advantage of having been around a computer their entire life, and having the ambition to learn the skills this late in their lives. However, I have found that most of the Greatest Generation simply are not capable of grasping computers.  Now there are of course exceptions, so don't get all defensive.  But, for example, when the patron cannot even follow directions to make it into the room where the class is being taught, you know your in trouble.  As was the case with my most recent class.  I was waiting for the last person to arrive before I started the class, but after waiting 10 minutes I decided to begin.  About 5 minutes later an elderly lady came stumbling in and said she was in the wrong room.  Apparently, she had been waiting for 20 minutes for the class to begin, at a computer workstation in the main part of the library.

In the basics class I teach things like "this is a mouse" and "this is how you turn on a computer".  Simple right?  I would say no less then 10 people have attempted to wave the mouse in the air after I have explained how it works by sliding it on the mouse pad (illustrating it for them and everything).  Lack of mouse skills isn't just a problem for the elderly, I once had a classmate who nearly ruined my presentation because she couldn't figure out how to use a mouse (yes I had to go there AK).  After another basics class, I began to tape arrows pointing to the on/off button after in one class over half of the people turned off the computers when I was attempting to show them how to open the CD drive.

The internet classes are even better.  One of my favorite examples is when I was explaining how to use a search engine to find a web directory like Google Directory (http://www.google.com/dirhp).  I instructed the students to type Google Directory, my exact words were "Google space directory".  You guessed it, at least half of the class got a hit list for GoogleSpaceDirectory.  Once in the Internet Basics class, I was explaining browsers,  how there are different browsers but they are all very similar, and if you become familiar with one you will likely be able to use any.  One person asked "so all of those things under my favorites are browsers?".  I didn't even know how to respond.  Then there was the time I told everyone to type "www.google.com" in the address bar, I looked around to make sure everyone had successfully accomplished this to find one innocent looking lady looking at a xxxmatchmaking site. Apparently she had typed www.goodle.com.  The guy beside her looked quite interested.

Although many times I want to scream and I do truly believe some people are just not going to get it, I have also had many positive experiences that almost make it worth while.  Recently I taught a class on how to use eBooks.  Everyone there learned, understood and was excited by actual results by the end.  Now if you have a mother, grandmother, aunt or elderly neighbor who wants to learn about computers......do me a favor, teach them yourself. What?! I'm just kidding, I love to teach computer classes, it's always an adventure AND an exercise in patience.

Social DISgraces

I've noticed  over the last couple years a steady decline in "social graces" by many of our library patrons. I'm not just talking about politically correct and offensive or off color remarks but I'm also referring to the way  people look when they go out into the world.  Sebastian Maniscalco said it best, "When  you go out to see the world, the world sees you." (link below) It is too common of an occurnce to see a patron walk through the doors wearing slippers and what looks like PJs.  I always want to say "Good Morning" to these people no matter what time of day it is.  One of our regulars often comes in with her head full of curlers, where is she getting ready to go anyway? 

I realize that as people get older they seem to lose the part of their thought process that filters what they should just think and not say.  But it has never be more apparent then when I work the circulation desk.  Once while helping an elderly patron set up an e-mail account, I asked her what "secret question" she would like to use in case she forgot her password (more like when she forgets it).  After spending about 10 minutes reading all of the samples to her, I finally said "What was the name of your first pet?"  She then nearly shouts out the "N" word.  My face must have expressed my thoughts because she felt it then necessary to explain that her first pet was a black cat and that "back then it wasn't a big deal to say n****r".  As she retold her childhood days with her cat she must have used the "N" word a half a dozen times.  I kept looking around to see how many people where walking by the circulation desk and wondering how to get her to stop talking.  Along the same lines, recently after a large meeting let out of our community room, the hosts were carrying some of the extra chairs back into the library commons and an older gentleman said "too bad you don't have any colored boys to carry those for you."  This guy must have just arrived from 1960.

As you have read in my other posts, there is no shortage of crazies that frequent public libraries.  I could spend another 500 words retelling the things they wear and say, but I don't have time right now.

http://comedians.jokes.com/sebastian-maniscalco/videos/sebastian-maniscalco---casual-dress

'Tis the Season

There are many perks to working at the library, you don't have to pay those outrageous overdue fines, you get first dibs on newly released books and movies, and everyday is an adventure.   A lesser known benefit is approaching as I am writing this post, and I tell you I can hardly wait.  During the Christmas season library employees are given more baked goods than a football team could eat.  The generosity of our patrons never ceases to amaze me.  Fresh baked cookies, brownies, candies and other goodies are brought in by patrons who want to wish us a joyous holiday season and show their appreciation.  Most are delicious homemade treats and are greatly welcomed by the entire library staff. 

However, every year we also get a few not so welcome treats.  For instance, If you ever wondered who buys all those enormous tins filled with popcorn, most of them are grateful library patrons. We will often have a tins filled with popcorn available well into February.  One year a mysterious item appeared that we could only guess was suppose to be some sort of fruitcake, likely resembling the patron giving it. For as many years as I can remember a particularly sweet elderly gentleman would bring us numerous boxes of last year's clearance Christmas candy, likely stored with care until he was ready to deliver them to us. 

This last example is the inspiration for this months post, we won't be receiving his candy this year because he passed away a few months ago.  Although, the treats are not always treasured, the patrons are.  I have missed seeing this patron and this time of year especially I find myself remembering to be thankful for each and every "gift" we get. 

Of course if you find yourself with an excess of delicious baked goods, don't forget your local library.  It is always good to have a librarian on your good side.