[Publib] Patron disagrees with challenged and/or homeless people inthe library

[George Hazelton]

The man who made faces may have been suffering from tardive dyskensia.  This
is the result from long-term use of prescription anti-psychotic drugs and is
essentially untreatable.  Involuntary chewing motions, lip-smacking, tics,
etc are markers.  I would suggest that, unless the man "pursues" her in the
library that she should find another seat and have pity and compassion for
someone dealing the best he can with a dreadful situation.  The sufferer is
aware of the problem, but really can't do anything about it.

 

  _____  

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Denise Johnson
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 5:52 PM
To: PubLib
Subject: [Publib] Patron disagrees with challenged and/or homeless people
inthe library

 

Suggestions from the collective wisdom will be appreciated.

 

I had a telephone call waiting for me Monday morning (before my second
cuppa-if you can believe it). A next county-over resident who has a valid
(e.g. non-blocked) library card at our library was incensed that she had to
endure being looked at by one of our perennial "odd" patrons. The man was in
both of the locations in the library she was trying to use. According to her
she was using the library "for the purpose for which the library was
intended." He kept looking at her and making faces. She was uncomfortable
and left. 

 

She did complain while she was here and was politely told that he is a
citizen and he has the right to be in the building. She didn't like that
answer and wants us to DO something. This is a adult women who has a
professional career that would require her to deal with difficult customers
and not lost her employer's customers. [On the other hand, I can understand
the feeling of, "I put up with this at work. Why should I have to put up
with it on my own time, too?"]

 

However, she wants me to call her as soon as she returns from an out-of-town
trip. She knows our policy and doesn't like it. Since we have already told
her: the policy, the reason for the policy, the compassion for the less
capable, and the "everyone else has rights too". Do you have any other words
of wisdom?

 

 

 

This e-mail contains the thoughts and opinions of Denise Johnson and does
not represent official Midland County Policy.

Denise Johnson, County Librarian
Midland County Public Library
301 W. Missouri Ave
Midland, TX 79701
Direct Phone:(432) 688-4333
Fax: (432) 688-4939
e-mail denise_johnson at co.midland.tx.us
Main Library number (432) 688-4320

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