Some evenings it gets a little slow at the library. There are always a few people checking out movies and using the internet, but we’re tired. We want to close early and go home.
Monday, Creative Librarian was at the desk when a woman came in. She was pacing the floor as though she were worried about something. When she finally approached the desk, she asked to use the phone.
We’re not supposed to let people use the phone. We have a pay phone in the lobby. We use our judgment when it comes to each individual case, though. Some people just can’t afford it, and we all know what a difference a phone call can make.
First, the woman called her therapist. Then she called the homeless shelter to let them know where she was and to arrange care for her young son. Then she called the police.
Creative Librarian couldn’t help overhearing – the woman was talking a little loudly. “No, I’ll sit here and wait for you. Yes, I’ll get in the car when you come to the front of the building. No, I won’t do anything except wait until you get here. Good-bye.”
Creative Librarian asked her, “Are you ok?”
“No,” the woman answered, still agitated, but under control, “I don’t think so.”
“Well,” said Creative Librarian, “would you mind sitting somewhere near the desk, so I can help you if I can?”
The woman smiled gently. “I’ll do that. I’ll just go over to those chairs.”
The woman sat, unable to keep still, and then approached the desk again. “I just wanted to let you know, I’m going outside to smoke this cigarette.”
Creative Librarian hesitated. “Ok….will you stand near the door? I want to know that you’re all right.”
The woman smiled again. “Yes,” she said. “I will.”
Very soon, a police car pulled up in front of the library. The woman got in.
“I was going to the river tonight,” the woman had told Creative Librarian, “and I can’t swim.” Creative Librarian heard her tell her therapist, “I want to kill myself.”
Creative Librarian and I agreed: it’s not so bad to stay open late. Not if it can save someone’s life.
And yes - you can use the phone.
Oops, this is heavy. Lucky that she could use your phone!!!
Posted by: Danniëlle | October 18, 2005 at 12:43 AM
Wow...what a great reminder that even the little things we do can have major impact on others.
Posted by: Tania | October 21, 2005 at 09:22 AM
we must not be judgmental on the faces of people. they might need our help in our times of busyness. we must not neglect other peoples concern though it might be little...
Posted by: rio | October 24, 2005 at 03:06 AM
What a moving story that it almost brought tears. Thank you for sharing the evening experience.
Posted by: Kenley Neufeld | October 27, 2005 at 02:33 PM
Well written story. Thanks for showing the human side of public service jobs.
Posted by: Norma | October 29, 2005 at 06:51 AM
Sounds hokey but this bought tears to my eyes - I'm still coming to terms with the news of a friend's partner who killed himself a while back...
Posted by: 2wheelsgood | October 30, 2005 at 06:38 PM
Que bueno que haya este tipo de espacio para compartir experiencias. Estamos llamados a ayudar a las personas y es cierto que muchas veces logramos mucho con tan poco.
Posted by: Kenia Nazario Rivera | November 02, 2005 at 05:03 PM
At my old library, patrons were not allowed to use the phone--no way in hell were they to use the "business" phone, according to the director. But we let people do it when SHE wasn't around.
Posted by: Charla Stone | November 11, 2005 at 06:30 PM