(A patron has called about extending her borrowing time on a DVD. She is renting “2001: A Space Odyssey”.)

Caller: “I’d really like to get this for a little longer. I live far from the library, and won’t be able to get it back on time.”

Me: “Well, the staff member that handles the loans is not in today. I can take your name and phone number, and have her get back to you.”

Caller: “Oh, that would be just great. I really need to watch this movie because I’m going into space.”