All Opinions Matter, But Some Matter More

(I work at a public library at the front desk, checking out books to patrons. I’ve seen many different characters, but this guy takes the cake. It’s a relatively busy Friday afternoon and I’ve just finished serving a few people when an older man in his 60s approaches me. He doesn’t have any books with him, so I just assume he has a question or two. It’s important to note that we have a “teen night” once a week, and they often help create displays to put up in the library.)

Me: “How can I help you?”

Man: “I just wanna say, it’s nothing against you or the staff here, but I’m really disappointed that the library would choose to support this ‘Black Lives Matter’ nonsense. I can’t believe you support that racist and violent propaganda! You really have to take that display down!”

(I just stand there in shock as he continues to rant about “violence propaganda,” and how “people in the United States are killed because of this movement,” and other unnerving things. As soon as he stops to catch his breath, I jump at the chance to offer to get my manager.)

Me: “I can go get my manager for you right now, if you’d like to complain.”

Man: “I’m not making a complaint; it’s just my opinion. It looks like some kids did that display so maybe they don’t know, but the staff should know better! It’s disgusting!”

(I ran and grabbed my manager anyway. After hearing another rant, she told him that the circulation staff don’t have any voice in what displays the library chooses, and offered him a meeting with our branch manager, who is the head of our library. He refused and left. My manager said after he left, “For someone who was so offended and wanted us to do something, he sure left quick!”. It’s been a few days and I haven’t seen him back. Hopefully, I won’t see him again.)