My First Visit to the Long Beach Public Library...

Yikes! Well, I now have something to write about. You won't believe it...I even had to pinch myself to see if I was having a nightmare last Saturday.

My intent was to utilize the Library of Congress volumes for an assignment, and acquaint myself with the Long Beach Public Library. Upon approaching he building I noticed a number of homeless people on the lawn and at the entrance to the library.

My first impression when entering the library was that it was quite spacious. The front counter was for checking library materials in/out. Three people were at that station. I proceeded further in to their Information Desk. With notebook in hand, I approached the first librarian and asked for the Library of Congress volumes. I asked if she would give me a few minutes of her time to familiarize me with the Library of Congress volumes, and stated that I would be using them for a class project. She looked looked at me with a somber expression, crossed her arms and said: "If someone else needs my help, you will have to wait because I have to take care of their needs first." Well, I did not quite understand that one, but I told her that would not be a problem. Further, she said: "I hope you don't expect me to do your assignment for you." Needless to say, I was shocked, embarrassed by her comments. She then asked what my assignment was and I proceeded to show her the assignment paper. She put both hands up in surpise, like it was a hold-up, and said: "I don't want to touch that paper after you touched your mouth and handled the paper." With that I walked away, staying clear of her for the rest of the afternoon. I consulted other librarians who were helpful and polite.

The LBPL is have many computers available for use by the public, a large reference area, a special separate area for students to do homework assignments if they wish, with volunteers to assist.

I was quite stressed by the entire incident and was anxious to leave. Upon getting my things together, and heading for the exit, my earlier experience resurfaced. I just couldn't let someone like that get away with treating me like that. I asked to see the head librarian and put in a complaint. The head librarian apologized a number of times, and as much as I appreciated her attempt to smooth things over, she was not the one who offended me. I was told my complaint would be brought to the attention of the librarian-in-question supervsor. The head supervisor took everything I said down and provided me with a form to submit a complaint, which I have done.

Moral to the story, sometimes we may not always be aware how we come off to other people. Some days are better than others for most of us, and I hope by bringing this to that librarian's attention, she will have a new found awareness about her attitude with the public. Hopefully she just had an off-day, or at least I would like to think so.

Hopefully none of you ever experience anything close to this awful incident. Good luck with future research and beware of somber looking librarians ready to show you just how much you don't know.

All joking aside, my experience with other librarians has always been positive, so I feel this was merely an isolated incident. Happy research everyone!