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I feel so bad for kids who are left alone in the library looking for their parent. The other day there was a little girl crying whom I immediately walked over to. I used my gentlest voice, “Sweetie, I can help you.” I was trying to say it in a way that would allow her to feel comfortable enough so I could help her because she was obviously lost. This worked. Her eyes were so red, and she was so little that I couldn’t believe a parent could just leave her behind. She brought a toddler book that she was hugging over to my desk. We looked over some stickers in a box together as I called her mother’s name over the PA system and waited… And waited.
Her mother came over to us from the same floor. The mother told me, “I was right over there.” She sounded mad. Hmph… if I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was even upset. I stood up and used my stern voice which I really don’t like to but when duty calls, “Well, your child was over here and was looking for you, so you need to be by your child.” Stone cold librarian face.
Why must parents leave their tiny children alone in the library? I know babysitting was not particularly in the job description, but it does make me concerned how some of these parents treat their kids. Some parents would rather ignore their own kids, drop them off at the library for hours, or have their kids walk to the library until someone picks them up, and I suppose parents think it is up to the librarians to look after the child’s wellbeing. I will not babysit your child! The public library is a very public place which means all types of people come together under one roof. Some parents (and I know this is probably not you reading this) need to take more responsibility for their children. Otherwise, I have no problem reminding those certain neglectful parents know that they are the parent, not me.
From the time I started work, till 9pm closing, I felt like I had just gained more librarian experience than before. Maybe even some parenting experience as well.
Great job. Sounds like you helped relieve some little person anxiety. Thats a tough situation and sadly it happens all too often.
ReplyDeleteI try and watch the entrance/exits when I am on desk and its amazing to me how often little people are wandering around in the lobby apparently unattended. Sometimes when I walk over to the little person the parent swoops down on me, but thats not always the case. Also you get the obviously lost little person and do your darnenest to keep them calm while you look for the parent. I like getting down on my heels while staying out of their face to talk to them and then I like to take the little person around the library, heading towards the kids section. Holding my hand down with one finger out usually results in a nice grasped finger, since we arent supposed to hold their hands /sigh. Its sadly common that the parent is not happy with you for giving them the "you need to keep your little person near you" lecture. I give it anyway.
Robert, I'm glad that I am not the only one who feels that frustration with some of our parent patrons.
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