(When students pay fines, we accept cash or check. But as of now, we can’t take credit/debit cards. A student comes up to pay a fine.)

Me: “And would you like to do cash or check today?”

Student: “Card.”

Me: “I’m sorry! We can only take cash or check.”

Student: “Are you serious? Why?!”

Me: “We simply don’t have the necessary technology at this time to do so.”

Student: “But you have Macs!”

Me: “I’m sorry. I meant that we don’t have what we need to to accept your card. It doesn’t make sense for us to take cards when students are paying anywhere from four cents to a dollar for us to pay the fees involved.”

Student: “But you have Macs!”

(We have had bad weather all day, which resulted in a power surge, and thus all of the computers in the library have shut down. A few minutes later a student comes up to the desk…)

Student: “I need you to get back everything I did before the computer shut off.”

Me: “Well, unless you were saving as you were going along, there isn’t really anything I can do.”

Student: “Why would I save as I go along? If I had known there was going to be a power outage, I would have saved my work.”

Me: “…”

(We had just finished putting up Christmas trees and decorations around the library, and I was taking work photos.)

American Tourist: “Oh, my god. What lovely trees. They look magnificent.”

Me: “Thanks.”

American Tourist: “Are you all going to put up a nativity scene as well?”

Me: “No. Unfortunately not.”

American Tourist: “Why not?”

Me: “Council directives.” *glancing around and whispering* “Council has directed us not to put up Christian related symbolism and displays.”

American Tourist: “And why the h*** not?”

Me: “Well, unfortunately, Christianity has a bit of a bad image in the eyes of some of our patrons due to perceived injustices, abuse, persecution, and so forth, from people they assume are acting under the name of God. I myself have had bad experiences with some evangelists, but I do not hold it against the religion personally.”

American Tourist: “That’s sad to hear.”

Me: “Funny thing is, it only applies to Christian displays.”

American Tourist: “What do you mean?”

Me: “If I want to put up a three-meter tall Buddha for Wesak day, I am allowed to turn this library into a Buddhist temple. If we wanted to splash out on a Divali display, we can drag in a giant blue statue of Krishna that can fill the mezzanine area. But a nativity scene, nope. Not allowed.”

American Tourist: “That’s discrimination.”

Me: “I know. Tell me about it. I think it’s unfair and discriminatory, and I’m not Christian. We’ve tried to get Council to back down, but have failed for the last five years. But I suppose if enough customers complain…”

American Tourist: “Ah… right. So where can I find some comment forms?”

Me: *points it to her*

American Tourist: “Right. I’ll get to it in a minute. Can I take photos? The trees are lovely.”

Me: “Usually, no. But what the hey, it’s the holidays, so one or two I suppose.”

American Tourist: “Thanks!”

(Suddenly, a local patron comments loudly between the both of us and points at the Christmas trees.)

Local: “Holy Jesus and Lord. Such displays of idolatry. Such sinful displays here in a public space. Jesus will be spinning in his grave to see such displays.”

(Both of us stand there silent for a minute or two.)

American Tourist: “You know what, dear? I’m not going to put in that complaint. Maybe the Council has a fair point after all.”

(A father and son check out books and DVDs.)

Me: “That’s it. Books are due in two weeks and the DVDs are due in one. But you can return the books at the same time as the DVDs are due, if you have a mind to. Thank you.”

(A few minutes later, as they go in the children’s room:)

Son: “What did she mean by that, Daddy?”

Father: “Well, I think she’s from down South and it’s just a saying…”

(I’m watching what “down South” expressions I use now…)

(I am leading our weekly preschool story-time. It is this boy’s first visit. He is three.)

Me: “Everyone stand up now. We’re going to sing ‘Wheels on the Bus.’ Put your arms out and make a circle.”

Boy: *stands still, arms out but not moving*

Me: “Come on, get your wheels going.” *I demonstrate the first motion*

Boy: “I have a flat tire.”