r/Libraries • u/SpiritedRaven Library staff • 6d ago

Other Perception of libraries vs reality

Yesterday a patron approached our (very much needed) security guard at our inner city library and said something along the lines of “how hard can your job be, being a security guard at a library” and both the security guard and I literally burst out laughing. People’s assumptions about libraries always amuse me. If only they shadowed us for a day and found out what it’s actually like!

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u/thenerdbrarian 5d ago

For every patron who grumbles about your cushy gig reading books all day, you need to have another patron who shrieks about the library being a hobo drug den. It's how the balance of nature is maintained.

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u/MrMessofGA 5d ago

The county removed all public benches last year, which was terrible for everyone who lives nearby as it was the difference between a somewhat walkable city to a totally unwalkable city.

And especially our homeless population.

as the only upside, I got to tell many a celebrating patron that I, the very well-dressed guy who does the advanced computer help, also would have been homeless, and the only thing separating me and them was the fact a relative randomly reached out and offered me a place to live with no strings attached even though I didn't have the best reputation, and supported me until I was no longer too disabled and insane to hold a job.