Friday the 13th

Yes, Friday the 13th can bring out the weirdos...especially at the library. There were no less than three incidents at work last Friday.

I. The Angry Guy
A man was working on his laptop and simultaneously talking on his cell phone in the children's area. See the earlier post on cell phones to understand why this is particularly odious behavior. A staff member approached the guy and told him that cell phones aren't allowed in the library. The guy waved her away and finished his conversation, after which he began to freak out and verbally abuse the staff using some colorful expletives in the process. He also called the library a police state (?). He then went to check out his materials, cursing up a storm the whole time. Another staff member told him he was being disruptive and had to leave...but of course he wouldn't (they never do). The police were called, but the man left before they arrived (they always do).

II. The Harry Hater
A woman was observed approaching children in the children's section and trying to get them not to read Harry Potter books. She was told she needed to stay away from other patrons unless they approached her, so she went outside. Staff watched on the security cameras as she waved at each person entering the building, as well as approached cars that were driving by. Several other patrons complained about her creepiness, and one threatened to call the cops himself! Not sure how this one resolved...

III. The Jewelry Hawker
Yet another patron was seen displaying her handmade jewelry in the children's area and attempting to sell it to other patrons. This is not exactly what we mean when we say we can help you get started with your small business.

My biggest concern is: all the weirdos are hanging out in the children's area! Yet parents consistently believe that this is a good place to leave their 4-year-old alone while they go upstairs to check their MySpace accounts.

Why is it that you have to submit an application to adopt a dog from the Humane Society, but anyone can have a child?