Patron of the Month

A family walked in just after noon - dad, mom, cute little 2-3 year old girl. They wanted to use the computers, but since they came just after noon, the computers were already occupied by everyone on a lunch break from nearby who was feeding their addiction, too. Since mom was still a teenager, they headed for the teen computers. This meant walking back past the entrance, and apparently the little girl thought they were leaving. She stopped, balled up here fists, stamped her foot and yelled, "No! I NEED a BOOK!" My partner and I just about fell out of our chairs trying not to laugh out loud! She complied happily when they told her they weren't leaving and she would get a book, then proceeded to wave and say "Hi!" to every one she passed. She charmed everyone she came in contact with while they stayed.

Today is Thanksgiving, and I'm thankful for kids who love coming to the 'berry.

Cybersex? At least buy me a software update first!

Our power was out at the 'berry for almost a week due to a bad underground cable. This in and of itself was an adventure in watching people walk past 'CLOSED' signs, impromptu blockades, and our Bookmobile parked out front, trying to get into the building.

When we opened back up, one patron had apparently suffered serious withdrawals from his 'online dating service.' He decided to have a private party right there at the computer! He was told that since this was his first offense, he was banned for the rest of the day and any other infractions of the same type would result in him being banned for 6 months. (I know you're thinking "WHAT?!?!?" But that's how our policy works. :/) After refusing to give his name, he was promptly escorted from the building. All the way out, he kept asking if we'd let it slide this once since he's mentally handicapped! Well, that was pretty obvious, but uh, NO! He then proceeded to call us, ask for the manager, complain that we had not been understanding of his handicap, ask again for the ban to be rescinded, and then GIVE HIS NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER so the big boss in administration could contact him about his complaints!!!!! He was contacted all right: city P.D. showed up at his door with a complaint about his public indecency!

Meanwhile, the computer has been decontaminated, given a thorough exam, and is in counseling for the trauma.