26 Moments Any Librarian Knows Too Well

"I'm looking for this book, I forget the title, but there's a dog on the cover...?"

1. When a patron wants you to find a book, based only on the vaguest detail.

2. And when you succeed.

when a patron starts panicking because they can't find a particular book ... #libraryprobs

3. When a patron is shocked that you know a bestseller off the top of your head.

4. Conversely, the shame of forgetting the name of a book you KNOW you know.

5. When your maturity is tested by a patron's name.

Trying to keep a straight face when a patron has this last name #librarianproblems

6. When you refuse to give up on a search, even if the patron asking is long gone.

#LibraryFunny: There's not a #ReferenceLibrarian who hasn't experienced the frustration of not getting an answer

7. When you find the perfect source just after a patron has left.

8. When a little surprise falls out of a book you're shelving.

Finding weird notes in returned books. #libraryperks

9. When you see a book returned like this and your soul dies a little.

I do not like the student who returned a book with all their tabs still stuck to the pages. #librarianproblems

10. When some prankster does this to a freshly read and edged shelf.

When I find whoever is pushing the books in the Young Adult section all the way back, ho man.... #LibrarianProblems

11. When a patron wants to know how long the wait is for the latest YA hit.

12. When your shift is suddenly a workout.

#LibraryProblems Pushing a heavy book cart like...

13. When a patron tries to convince you that she KNOWS she returned that book.

14. When that potty training book comes back in, ah, not so great condition.

When you touch a sticky book in children's and you're just like... #LibraryProblems

15. When you get first dibs on a brand new release.

Today my boss called me upstairs to ask if I'd like to read the new Koontz book before its cataloged ;D #LibraryPerks

16. When all of your holds come in at once and it is actually impossible to read them all.

Too many holds. Too little time. #librarianproblems

17. When adult patrons ask if there's any way to keep it down in the children's room.

18. When you're genuinely concerned about your health.

Spent the day sorting moldy books. Notice the only visible book title is "Help." Totally coincidental. #librarianlife

19. When someone comes in with a reference question that makes you question everyone's sanity.

20. When you have to double as IT for the patrons whose windows "just closed for no reason."

21. And when all of that overflows to your home.

22. When a kid draws you a special picture because you're her favorite librarian.

23. Patrons. watching. porn.

24. When randos try to explain how you'll be out of a job when libraries disappear in the not-too-distant future.

25. When a patron comes back to tell you how much he loved your recommendation.

26. And when they start seeking you out specifically because they trust your taste.

This article is part of a series of stories celebrating libraries and free access to information.

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