If I were a librarian ...
darienlibrary said: Stop stealing our job, Melville House.
I wish. If I were a librarian I’d never shut up about it. I’d be telling people on street corners everywhere.
Picture me: thumbs in belt loops, chest puffed, hollering, “I HELP PEOPLE KNOW THINGS. I SHAPE CHILDREN FROM SMALL SOCIOPATHS INTO GENEROUS MARVELOUS HUMAN BEINGS. I TOUCH ALL THE BOOKS. WOULD YOU LIKE TO BORROW THIS TINY GOLF PENCIL.”
And then I’d point laser fingers at everyone for good measure and saunter off up the street to thunderous applause.
“I just wish that we could talk about books as if they are for use, not as symbols of enduring knowledge that must be preserved against the ravages of digital barbarians or as emblems of obdurate and blinkered resistance to inevitable change.”
—Throwing the Books at Each Other | Inside Higher Ed
“...And so this post will serve to say that we’re okay with all of it, really! The Library would just be a big empty building without you! We’re glad you are here.”
—No Need to Apologize to Your Librarian | Eleventh Stack
Some things you don’t need to apologize for are:
- I don’t have time to read
- I don’t like to read
- I haven’t been to the library in a long time
- I’m sorry to bother you…*
- I have fines.
- I can’t find…
*Especially this one. Do not feel sorry for talking to a library staff member! You are the reason we are here! We are glad to hear from you!
