Wednesday 10:00 am
Danny had been putting off this library visit for weeks. The book was embarrassing to ask for, but according to the online review, it contained life-changing advice for men in his... situation. Taking a deep breath, he pushed through the glass doors of the Central Branch Library.
The place was quiet, as libraries tend to be, with only the occasional cough or the turning of pages breaking the silence. Danny approached the front desk where a middle-aged librarian with light brown cat-eyes behind those glasses and a few graying hair tied in a bun was typing away at her computer.
"Excuse me," Danny whispered, leaning in conspiratorially. "Do you have that book for men with small pickles?"
The librarian didn't blink an eye. Without looking up from her screen, she began typing something into the library database. After a moment, she adjusted her glasses and looked Danny up and down.
"I don't know if it's in yet," she said respectfully.
Danny’s face broke into a grin. "Yeah, heard that before!"
The librarian looked up, confused. "No, sir. I mean I don't know if the book has been returned to our collection yet."
Danny's smile faded. "Oh."
"It's quite popular," didn’t know so many grown men around town had small packages where she continued, still scanning the computer. "Okay, sir it hasn’t been returned today and are you on the three-week waiting list?"
An elderly man in line behind Danny cleared his throat loudly. "I believe this the book you’ll look for” and walks up and hands it to the librarian clerk.
Danny and the librarian turned and looks at him while he walks towards them.
"Not that I needed it," the old man stated with a smile on his face. "It was for research purposes Only". Here you go. You can keep the receipt.
The librarian had a slight grin on her face as she continued typed a few more keys. "Ah yes, here it is! 'Wish You Was Living Large: Having Confidence Beyond Physical Limitations.' It is due for returned today and the customer is here to return it. Would you like to check it out sir?"
"Yes," Danny mumbled, what did you say sir I couldn’t hear you? “Yes, please Danny shouted drawing readers attention.
As the librarian scanned his library card two times, she lowered her voice. "You know, my husband doesn’t need to read books like this. But I heard there a chapter that might change your life called 'Embracing What You've Got'.
Danny grabbed the book, hiding the cover against his stomach. "Thanks."
As he hurried toward the exit, the elderly man called after him, "The sequel is even better! 'Living With A Small Package!'"
The entire library erupted in laughter as Danny exited through the doors, book in hand, making a note to try the e-book option next time.