The Patrons Can Wear You Down

(In my library system, if you’re charged with a lost or damaged book, you’re allowed to find a cheaper version of it and have it replaced. One day a woman comes up to the desk.)

Patron: “Hi, I need to replace a book I lost. I was told I can bring in another book to replace it.”

Me: “Sure! May I see the book so I can match up the ISBN number?”

(The woman hands me the book. It’s an old, worn, discarded copy from a different library. It still has the old library barcode and stamps on it.)

Me: “I’m sorry; I cannot take this. It has to be a new copy.”

Patron: “I was never told that! I was told I could bring in any book!”

Me: “Ma’am, this is not even a good copy. Many of the pages are worn and there are pen scuffs on the cover.”

Patron: “I WAS TOLD I CAN BRING IN ANY COPY!”

(I ended up getting my manager, who told her the same thing. She eventually left with her worn copy, grumbling.)

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