When a question really isn't a question
You know you're in for it when a patron walks over and asks, "Can you tell me where you keep the movies that aren't rated R?"
What I should have said: "I wouldn't know, that's the only kind I watch." Or, perhaps, "Dude. I'm 9 months pregnant. My kid is punching me in the cervix as we speak. You really want to have a go at me? Because I'm not actually stable."
What I did say: "Well, there for sure aren't any R-rated movies in the children's area."
Patron: "Do I look like a child?"
Me: "Hmmmm." (Do not engage, do not engage . . . )
When it seemed safe, I did point out that our selection policy involves buying movies for the entire population, and not everyone is going to like everything.
Him: "Well, this is a very liberal area. That's why the R-rated stuff is so popular here."
Me: "Mmmm." (Not engaging, not engaging . . .)
Him: "Lots of Democrats in this area. They influence everything."
Me: (Engage!) "Well, that can't be entirely true, if the election was any indicator." (Sigh . . .)
That thought cheered him, though, and he let me show him a couple of TV series that he and his wife might like. And then we were fast friends.
I'm Steph, a librarian and mom of 3 (not sure how that happened). Let's chat books, food, Sumptuous Literary Adaptations, poop, knitting and maybe some crazy Mormon Feminism.
9 comments:
Awesome.
Do not engage, do not engage...
I just might print that out and put it above my desk. You have inspired me to engage (or not) at *just* the right time. :)
Emandtrev, the full mantra (if you want to needlepoint it anywhere) is "do not engage the crazy." Hope it helps you--unless, of course, you just can't resist. ;-)
oh my gosh-you demonstrated such restraint for such an extended period of time! i would consider myself somewhat conservative and that guy pissed me off. ridiculous.
Feeling the need to needlepoint now for some reason. . . . I haven't worked at a library, but I did work at a bookstore once, and I also had a job for some megacorp answering complaint letters, and I really could have used a pillow or something with that saying on it some days.
And now I kind of want to know which TV series you suggested. (And I really admire your restraint, especially considering the 9-months-pregnant part!)
Your restraint is inspirational! Also, your mantra is perfect for teaching 8th grade. I will have to adopt it.
Ah, working with the public. Gotta love it.
I wasn't aware movies were grouped by ratings... what an idiot.
Hi, I'm delurking to leave a comment because this one was irresistable! I work at a library, too, and those kind of questions always get me annoyed. Annoyed in a quite, librarian-esque way, but still. It's all about CHOICE, people!
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