Monday, September 10, 2018

Disappointment junkies









They are not a common library patron type. And it has taken me a long time to notice that they exist. But I have slowly begun to recognize them.

It always starts innocently though.

"Do you have a copy of Murphy's Romance?" I was asked today.

That's a little bit of an obscure eighties movie, but oddly I thought maybe I had noticed one on the DVD carts earlier. A little deft catalog searching, a dash to the backroom, and proudly I placed a copy before them and prepared for the rejoicing.

There was no rejoicing.

Uh oh.

"Do you have a copy of Gypsy Boy on the Run?" They inquired without missing a beat.

Hmmm, this is a book, in non fiction. Oddly enough we have it in. I give them the number for it along with instructions on how to find it. I no longer expect them to be happy.

"Also this book," They consult a scribbled note. "Red something, by Pierce Brosnan?"

Well now, I'm pretty sure that's Red Rising, by Pierce Brown, and they think I'm right. Fortunately we have a copy out in Science Fiction. Or unfortunately. I'm not sure.

"Is this too many?" They ask.

No, no, it's fine.

"Herzog by Bellow?"

Yes.

"Bread Baking for Dummies?"

Yes.

"The third Need for Speed movie?"

Yes.

"And let's see. Do you have a copy in of Cottage by the Sea, by Debbie Macomber?"

"We should. Let me check. Oh, no there's been a bit of a run on those."

"I heard about it on the radio yesterday."

"Ah. That explains it then. Shall I request it for you?"

"No." They reply dejectedly. "I just really wanted to read that today."

"Oh, sorry. Anything else?"

"No." They say sadly. "Thanks for trying anyway."


They are disappointed, 

and all is right with the world.




If only they had a good book to drown their sorrows in.














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