Ssshhhhh......

The library isn't always quiet.

Today I ventured into the world of the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library. I've been debating on weather or not to take the leap into the world of borrowed books - I am an Amazon.com addict. I decided maybe it might be more economical to incorporate borrowed books into my reading repertoire. I had mixed feeling about the library as they have been mired by controversy over books they wanted pulled off their shelves, (with 'questionable' content ie., sex and homosexuals) personally I think that's wrong - but that's another blog.

I took the plunge and decided it would be good for me to try out some new authors (free of charge) and expand my reading Rolodex - past the mindless, predictable, unrealistic world of contemporary romance.

The library is a gorgeous building and offers more than just book checkout. I was impressed that the doors were automatic. I wondered around a bit to scope out the collection and take in some of titles that would be at my fingertips. Satisfied with what I could see I ventured to circulation and applied for my library card. I did my research the night before and knew I'd need identification or proof of living in Shawnee County - my driver's license says I live in NCK.

I was a little worried about approaching the circulation desk. Often times I have encountered older, bitter ladies who cannot be bothered with details such as customer service. I took a deep breath and went up to the next open window. I laid my ID and cell phone bill (with my current address) on the counter and to my surprise - pleasantness! It was a cinch and only took a few moments until I was holding my brand new library card. That's when things got a little...odd.

As I was browsing the fiction I noticed an man resembling a shorter, thinner Fidel Castro with gray long, fuzzy hair. He was just walking around checking things out and I thought nothing of it. I browsed more and met up with a police officer and thought it was kind of odd that a cop would be visiting the library on his shift. Then I heard Fidel start to talk and the cop took off. Fidel sounded like he had been sampling some of his countries latest exports and to be honest I could only hear parts of what he was saying - he was talking that fast. The other police officer came around the corner and then I realized it was on.

The location of the library is not what I would call, in the new division. It is across from both Stormont Vail and St. Francis hospitals. The area of town is usually on the six and ten o'clock news - but during the day its fairly harmless. I was not shocked that Fidel was being escorted out of the library, but I was a bit surprised because it was only ten in the morning.

He left with little protest and then it was back to peaceful reading, for the moment.

I kept browsing and noticed a group of four young men walk into the fiction section, most likely Topeka High students. I was impressed they knew where the library was. They were lost though and they had suggested to each other they just find someone to find the book for them. They were unsure if the book was fiction or non. I kept my ear to the ground and then one of them let out an atrocious blast of wind - followed by giggles. They were four rows away and it was clear as day, I'm glad I was unable to smell. They booked it out of there fairly quickly, but that fart was no accident.

I took my selections and made my way to the checkout. I passed two men talking about money and the economy as their children sucked on their favorite children's classic. A lady who brought in her lunch from dillons, another woman speedwalking with her iPod through the nonfiction section and the final was the group of older people at the self checkout screaming at each other. They weren't upset - just hard of hearing and dang cute.

I think I'll head back to the library, afterall where else can you get such diversified entertainment.