Tuesday, January 16, 2007

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A librarian kicked us out of the library today. I had high hopes for our first visit to story time at our new library. We were going to hear stories, my kids were going to be quiet and sit still, Rocky was going to sleep the whole time. Then I was going to quickly sign up for my new shiny library card and grab a couple books and then load all the kids back into the car, all before Rocky woke up. Sounds nice huh? It didn't happen that way, not at all. It started out alright, we found the library, didn't get lost or anything. Found the story time room alright. Then things started to crumble a little. Jack and Stella refused to leave my side. They didn't want to sit on the little squares of carpet provided for the kids. They both insisted loudly with much whining to sit on my lap. I piled them on, and sat for about 3 minutes into story time when they both decided they were bored, at about that same time I heard the first squeals from Rocky, I knew it was about to get very loud. So I quickly picked Rocky up and bolted for the door. Once out of the room, Rocky calmed down as I held him, so I thought, ok I'll get my new card grab a couple of books and head out. Got the card ok, grabbed about 10 books and headed for the check out. And then Rocky started, it wasn't too loud, the cry was just enough to make me start sweating and fumbling as I tried with one hand to scan my books. Now if were were back in Sacramento at our not so quiet library this probably wouldn't have upset anybody. But here in quiet town, where I still find everything eerily quite, it got us kicked out. I mean we were at the checkout, I was obvioulsy scanning as fast as possible with a squirming fussy baby in my arms, we were about to leave. Where is the helpful hand? The warm smile from another sympathetic mom? Not here. Only a firm, sour faced librarian, who askes us to step outside with "the baby" while she scans my 3 remaining books. Seriously Rocky was not even being that loud. All I could do was stop and look at her, huff in disbelief, and tell her "I am done", and "don't worry we are leaving right now". I was so hurt. I was all sweaty and flustered and after we were all in the car I just sat and cried. Isn't this a public library? Babies cry, kids make a little noise. Anyway, the combination of this and a rude cashier/customer tag team during a recent grocery trip has left me feeling like I should just hunker down and stay in my house for the next few months. I need some mom friends here to do things with.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

omg what an awful lady! that's why there are things for kid's at the library! C pretty much runs around during her story time...

poor you. i hope you make some nice mom friends soon! xo

Anonymous said...

Oh Heather, I'm sorry this happened. That librarian is a cow to ask you to step outside. Why didn't she hurry the F up and try to get you out of there easier and quicker? It's not like it's easy having 3 kiddies......I'm sorry. Go find another branch because Miss Sourpuss isn't worth your troubles.

Montreal Mama said...

Sorry to hear that story time didn't go so well.

Montreal Mama said...

Sorry to hear that story time didn't go so well.

Annie said...

I hope you make some mamma friends soon. It can be very discouraging to be all alone in a new place. Blessings.

Lorissa said...

You poor thing! I was just in Target last week and H was screaming his head off so I had to leave. A woman shot me a dirty look as I dashed out the door--and she looked like a mom herself! *Grrrrr* The librarian must not relate to having kids. And maybe Rocky was feeding off your stress. Don't give up!

Anonymous said...

Don't worry about the stuffy librarian. I too have 3 small kids (all under age 4). Keep going back, and they will learn to adjust, but it does take time. I usually take snacks, or a bottle for the baby in case he wakes up. I have made tons of mommy friends at storytime, it is definitely worth the effort!

Kara said...

I am just a lurker of your blog, but I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I have three young kids too, aged 6, 4 and two days away from being 2. I remember the mental prepartion it would take me to take them out by myself. But I promise you it does get better and easier; please don't let some rude inconsiderate woman discourage you from doing things with your children. Hope you have a better week!

Renee said...

I'm with everyone else. There was no reason for her to be rude to you. She could obviously see you were trying your best to finish up. Some people just don't think. Sorry about the bad experience.

Heth said...

Oh Heather, how frustrating. I have been there many many times, especially the part about sitting in car, crying. I'm so sorry that happened to you. That librarian is a ding-dong.

Big hugs to you.

vickie said...

Oh my GOD! I am so mad!!!! I hate it when there is so LITTLE understanding for a mom with one let alone 3 kids in tow. What a horrible woman....could have done so much more to just have helped you scan and get out, give a little smile, and heck just be polite. Where is the humanity? Same thing happened to me when I had just my son, one child, (so boy do I sympathize) anyway we go and visit the brand new shiny library so excited for his first time in the kiddie section and he has a tamptrum, I try to correct the situation and begin to walk out when I realize its futile and in the middle of my walk out I'm told to leave by a very stern looking librarian. I never went back, decided I would boycott a place that offers not even a little kind warning but a swift boot out the door. I'll get my books elsewhere thank you!

Don't get me started, wow.

Anyway sorry you had to deal with that, I know that sweat that begins in a hairy time. Here's to mommmies all over and my wish for the world to be more understanding!

(hey, I noticed we have 3 books in common on your reading list, I'll have to check out some of your picks as it looks like we have similar tastes. I loved lovely bones, and walk in the woods, such different stories.)

Have a better day!

Allison said...

I'm so proud of you for getting out with your three kids in a new city...actually I'm amazed by you and all you seem to accomplish. I'd really love to know how you do it or what your secret is.

Sorry that the librarian didn't have more understanding for you. She is a ding-dong and you get an A++++ for trying to give your kids fun, educational experiences in your new town!

Allison said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
OnlyGirl said...

What the? That lady was smoking crack. What a horrible experience. Come to the Redwood City Library, that place is loud and great and lots of kids and moms. We would welcome you with open arms.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Heather! I'm so sorry this happened to you. The same thing happened to me when my kids fell out of a shopping cart once. I felt just like you: hurt. People just aren't nice anymore.

At least know that there are those of us out there (still) that would have come to your help, or at least offered a sympathetic smile.

Summer said...

What a horrible lady. Aren't librainans supposed help people when they are in need. I agree with krista go find another library, if you can't I would write a complaint letter to the owner saying how you mistreated.

K said...

I'm so sorry. That's ridiculous that they kicked you out. I can't imagene why anyone would want to be so mean. At the very least she could've asked if you wanted to care for your baby while she finished with your books and then brought the books to you. People can be so rude.

Anonymous said...

Hi Heather
I am so sorry to hear about the Library trip. I hope that you will try again and don't let that lady get to you. How rude can she be anyway. Just kill her with Kindness. I miss you and would love to hear back from you. I have never used a blog so I don't know if I am even doing this right. I still remember how you were there for me when I was going through postpartum with Amber. Thank you again

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Heather, I know how you feel because I've been there too. we've been kicked out of the library once (but I kept going back anyway) and though it's not official, I think we're banned from the video store :)

when I expect things to go well and have high hopes for the day or a specific event, I swear my kids have a radar or something and do everything they can to ruin it. I promise you though Heather, that you will have those days you so look forward to. things do get easier. (((hugs)))

gkgirl said...

oh man,
that so sucks.

if they are going to offer
programs for children
such as story time
then they should be
prepared for children-like-behavior.

i would call the library
and be really really
sweet sappy nice
and ask about that...
say you are concerned
that when you come in,
the children are adjusting
to a new town
and all,
and do they have any
problems with helping out...
kill them with kindness,
that's my motto.
heehee...
(kill them with kindness to
get my way, but, that's beside
the point)

anyhow,
good for you for going out
and don't let this scare you.

Andi Mae said...

Oh, Heather! I am so sorry! Your story seriously made me cry...even though I only have one kid right now (with one on the way!), I can still totally relate to that panicky, stressed out feeling you get when your kids are being too loud/annoying/or just plain acting like KIDS in a public place. That librarian was seriously so awful to you! I seriously think that you should go back and complain (I'm saying that even though I would be scared to death, myself!). But that whole thing was just ridiculous!

I will also be praying that you find some sweet mamas to hang out with soon :)

xoxo Andi

molly | mommycoddle.com said...

oh heather! this story makes me furious for you. I hate these kind of situations! don't you wish you just had the perfect thing to say to that lady to put her in her snooty-librarian place??!
yuck. wishing and praying for a better experience next time...if you ever go again...and for a sweet friend to do it all with!

Anonymous said...

Having lived where you are decades ago, I must say I've never thought of it as "quiet." ;) So that's interesting to hear your perspective (after your life in Sac). When our laptop died a year ago and I had to use library computers in the evenings to post to my blogs and read others', I used to get INCENSED when a certain librarian would tell me to turn off the computer 15 minutes before closing. I mean, really, how long does it take to "shut down?" Librarians often forget that they have customer service jobs paid by our tax dollars. I'm sorry you had that experience.

Anonymous said...

Oh, how sad. It is so hard for people to be nice sometimes. I hope there is another branch of the library near you... or you could see who is in charge of the library (if it happens again) and talk with them. In our town there are elected officials called "the Trustees" who oversee the library. I know they would step in if that happened here!

Anonymous said...

I can imagine how you felt. Sometimes I wonder if people really live in the real world. I hope you make friends soon.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry that you had such a bad experience at the library. That is one thing I don't miss about living in CA. We found that people are much nicier here in ID and willing to give you a helpful hand and smile. Just remember to try and forgive the lady because you don't know what her life is like or what kind of a day she has had. Not saying that excuses what she did but...Sorry you had a rotten day and I pray that things will get better for you.

RW said...

I am de-lurking to say "holy dinah" what a terrible experience. Brutal. I would be writing that library a letter!

Can you order your books ahead of time online and then just pick them up when they arrive?

Seriously - I am not sure how libraries are staffed there but in where I live they are part of the municipality and local government. I would definately voice your complaint.

Anonymous said...

I think her sister works at our library! The next time you go - please go back - try to find the book The Library Dragon. It's a great children's book about cranky librarians. Don't you wish you could have asked her to step into the lobby until she corrected her attitude!

PJ said...

What library- I'm sure there is an email online? perhaps some of us could send her this post????? :(
...so sad. Find a play group ASAP!!! {{{{hugs}}}

Anonymous said...

WTF?!!! Why do you idiots with kids think the world should revolve around you and your offspring? Why should the rest of us suffer because of you and your poorly behaved/trained children. I have kids as well, but I sure as hell don't expect everyone to cater to me and mine. Learn some consideration and empathy for others...and for pitys sake stop your freakin whinning & me, me, me additude or you'll teach it to your kids. Ooops, too late, ALL OF YOU!!!!