I have a part time job as a library page (so does Robert! but he’s at a different library) – basically, we re-shelve books at the library. My interaction with patrons is fairly limited and usually brief, mostly, people ask me to help them locate books or other media.
During one of my most recent shifts, a young boy browsing with his mom asked me where the “Captain Underpants” books were. I took them over to the shelf.
Megan’s note: please do not do this with library books.
Me: Here are the ones we have in right now. But if you want a different one that we don’t have, you can put it on hold.
Young Reader (excitedly grabbing a volume): This is the one I needed! Thank you!
Me: You’re welcome, I’m happy to help!
Young Reader (trying to hand me a quarter): Here’s your tip!
Me (trying not to laugh): That’s so kind, but you don’t need to tip me, or anyone who works here.
His mom was stiffling laughter too and they walked off to find more books or check out. It was encouraging, and heart-lightening. It definitely gave me hope for the youth and hope for the human race. Which was somewhat dampened15 minutes later when I found two young children dismantling the fiction section by taking random books off the shelf and reshelving them backwards in random places. Annoying, but I guess it’s job security.