Library Smackdown

I used to be this sweet, little, shy girl that no one knew existed.  I liked it.  I used to have this huge group of friends.  Not because I was cool, but because I could hide in the crowd.  I ran away from a foster home and got picked up at school the day before Thanksgiving break my senior year.  My friends didn’t realize I was gone til right before Christmas break.  Seriously!

Well having children has changed all that.  I don’t know if it has come from being a mom, or being a mom with special needs children.  All I know is that this lion protects her cubs!

The last time the kids and I went to the library Rachel’s card wouldn’t work.  We went up to the front desk to find out why.  The library aide said that she had a book out since July.  She owed $10 in late fees so the card was blocked. 

Rachel had to put her books on Matthew’s card.  That just devastated her.  She likes things a certain way and having her books on someone elses card was not her way!  She likes to take the receipt that is printed out so she knows the due date, and she can check off her books when she returns them.  She was quite happy that I let her hold onto the receipt even though it was not from her card.

We came home and looked all over for this darn book.  We couldn’t find it anywhere.  Rachel could swear she had turned it in and I was pretty sure she had too.  Finally, I just ordered a replacement book from Amazon.com.  It arrived on Monday.  Tuesday night I went in with the replacement book and 6 return receipts (which can be used to cancel $2 worth of fines each).

This is where the poo hit the fan!  First of all, I had to wait 10 minutes for a library aide to come help me.  Then, she had the audacity to tell me that she wouldn’t take the replacement book.  They won’t take outside books because they don’t have the electronic code they put in it.  Instead, I had to buy the book for $29.99!!  I got the damn thing off of Amazon for $9.37 with shipping!!!  And I know the library gets a discount for their books.  I was pissed. 

I told the aide that there was no way I was going to pay $30 for this children’s book.  I told her that I know the head librarian and I will discuss it with her (I’ve only met her once…lol).  Then, I threw the return receipts on the desk and asked if she could at least cancel the fines that were accrued.  Under my breath I mumbled how ridiculous that price was and I knew my daughter had turned that book in.  The aide said, “Excuse me for a moment” and then trucked off to the children’s section.  She came back 3 minutes later with the book. 

She was so proud of herself but I was still pissed.  She cleared Rachel’s account and ALL fines.  She had like $.20 of fines from past stuff.  The aide looked at me with a huge smile and said, “She is all clear to use her card.” 

I didn’t share her enthusiasm.  I replied, “Do you have a receipt that I can have to prove it?”

She gave me the receipt and then I went and checked out Autistic Planet for Rachel on her card.  She loves it.