Another Library Rant

I love the library system. The whole process of borrowing informative materials is wonderful.

Our local branch library, however, is the armpit of Bellevue as I have proclaimed here previously.

I don’t know why I was surprised today to be stalled by the Barney Fife of the Bellevue Library at my attempt to check out a book.

Chris had asked me to pick up a book that he had on hold. Numerous times, I have checked out his book on my card from the circulation clerk who looks a little bit like the stapler dude in Office Space. This has never been a problem.

But today, I was called on the carpet by Barney, who inquired, “Are you an approved user on his account?”

Oh, once again, a library policy—that I HAVE NO IDEA EXISTS—catches me off guard.

“Uh, I dunno.”

He checks. I’m not.

“I’m sorry. You’re not an approved user. I can’t check it out for you. You can speak with the manager.”

I was in a hurry so I just shoved the book back to him. “No. I can’t stay any longer. Can you just re-label it and put it back on the shelf and I’ll have my husband MAKE ANOTHER TRIP OVER HERE to get his book?”

I stomped out, fuming.

But then I considered this all-important policy and decided that surely it thwarts all kinds of mischief and destruction of library property.

I mean, who doesn’t realize that the best way to get back at someone is to peruse the hold shelf at the library, find that person’s book, check it out, and then NOT RETURN IT ON TIME? Ooooooooo. Now that’s some real treachery right there that needs to be nipped in the bud. I’m sure the rate of unauthorized check-outs and non-returns was epidemic to create a new policy.

Good gravy.

Save me from the Bellevue branch library. 

photo: morguefile