Library for the Blind brought me not only a variety of job experiences but also a lot of funny stories. Readers regularly say and do strange, astonishing and odd things, and I want to share some of them with you.
One reader received an audiobook about a home zoo from us. In this book, the author talks about his experience working with animals. Most of our readers really enjoyed hearing about animals and birds. But this reader called to the library and was indignant for a long time. For some unknown reason, she decided that after listening, she must climb the tree herself and hang the birdhouse. No such appeals were made in the book’s text because the author only shared his own memories.
Another reader brought her thermometer to the library so I could check her temperature. I understand it is difficult for someone with vision problems to see tiny numbers. But she cheerfully said that she had the flu and spent five days at home. As soon as she felt better, she immediately ran to her beloved library. After she left, I was afraid for several days that she had infected me, but everything turned out okay.
A third client regularly returned discs with cracks or broken cases. When we were naturally indignant at the fact that we had to constantly change boxes and rewrite discs, she did not apologize. Vice versa. She yelled at us for deliberately breaking boxes and ruining discs before sending them to her. Precisely so that we could accuse her of damaging library property later. This was the first time I encountered such logic, and I did not know how to respond.
Some readers did not meet the deadlines, so I had to call and remind them. As it turned out, for many of them, it was a revelation and discovery that the library issues audiobooks and other books for a while and not forever. But of all the debtors, I remember one woman who took a children’s book for her child. When I called her for the fifth time to remind her, she promised with a heavy sigh to return the book. But she added that she was sad because she was so used to seeing this book on her bookshelf at home!
If you want to know more about my library experience, I recommend reading my book Angry Maria and Booze Hound Husband. This book is partly based on my memories of working in a library. It can be found on Amazon under the same pen name, Lita Marson.
Lita Marson
About the Author:
I was born in Riga, Latvia, and I still live there. I have always wanted to be a writer, so since childhood, I have started creating texts, stories, and imaginary worlds. Sometimes, even my dreams inspire me. I have worked in a library for many years, so all my life is connected with books.
My hobbies are dancing, walking and photographing; I like listening to music and watching movies.
Reading is my biggest passion. I always have books with me. I read both printed and electronic books.
I am married for the second time, and my husband supports me in everything, which is very helpful.
Also, my husband has created my author page https://litamarson.com/offers
