The Public Library

Anytown, USA

It amazes me, the type and variety of people who seek refuge in The Public Library.
You can spot the regulars. The can be determined by the sheer girth of their personal spread of "necessities". Sometimes, they look at you funny. Maybe, you have taken their space? Or your own girth offends them?

Some look like they need a friend...

There was the guy today who needed bus fare. He said, "Do you have a quarter so we can catch the bus home? We really need fifty cents..." I reached into my pocket and produced all the change I carried... sum total of about seventy-three cents. He stood before me a man who obviously needed it more than I. And let me tell you, right now, I need it! This got me to wondering, why do people who need fifty cents ask for a quarter? Why not ask for a dollar and then hope for fifty cents???

Now I find myself wondering about the type of people who come to the library to read books they won? It is quiet here, sure, I will give them that. But, wouldn't one be more comfortable in their own environment? I know the chairs at home are far more comfortable than these! Then, gain, maybe like me, the distractions at home are too great! The trash that needs to be taken out, the laundry to fold, the children playing (albeit too loudly), the dog barking, the wife doing what she does, the phone ringing... Perhaps maybe, they come here to seek solace amongst the tomes. Possibly, they do not hear the words that are so near. Do not imagine the worlds they will reveal. The pictures for them do not complete the images???