Summertime at the Library

Hot weather brings a different breed of patrons to the library – the Summer Reading Program gang.

Two types of kids participate in the program. The first is the eager reader who wants to read and truly enjoys it. The prize is just a bonus. The second is the kid that "reads" and brings in their book logs to let a librarian know they read for 12 hours. When this child is asked "What did you read that you really liked?" the answer is a blank look. The look often comes with confusion or a story. This kid hates to read but wants the prize. It’s unfortunate, because if they had actually read the books on their log, the story might be somewhat believable.

The parents of these children are on edge. It is summer break and the kids are at home for 3 months. These adults are under the stresses of their jobs, finances, and reduced sanity. The only thing they want is a few minutes of peace. Many times you will find these parents hiding in the non-fiction stacks, the bathrooms, or in a corner of the library rarely used by children. I once discovered a woman who was hiding from her children in the reference section. After asking if she needed help, desperation flashed in her eyes. She said “Please, if my kid comes looking for me, tell them I am taking an important phone call from work, and I will be back in just a few minutes.”

At least they are playing hide and seek in an air conditioned building.