Lost in Translation

I had a patron bring up a book to the Circ Desk and handed me their passport. So I used it to search for their account and when I showed them the screen query that their name was not coming up they said in broken English, that they have to be in there. I then asked if they even had a library card and lo and behold they never did. So I gave them application form and when I was done entering their info, they asked how much. I told them that most services are free and told them the few occasions were fines may occur. They asked me how much for the book, I tried my best to explain that it was free to borrow and we went back and forth for a few minutes. I'm not sure if there's a universal hand sign for "due back in 3 weeks," but I don't think the library will be seeing that book again...

Your Books are Due Back...

Last Friday was an 'odd' day for a lack of a better word. Regular, 3-week, material checked out that day is due back on September 11. Just hearing that date brings back memories. I just told patrons that they "are due back next month on the 11th." I didn't want to link the date with 'September' or '9.' I remember working at (uuggghhh) Best Buy during 2001, and an elderly shopper became completely distraught when she saw a display for "Die Hard" which depicts an explosion on top of two skyscrapers.