Troy Tuesday

On Tuesday it was Iliad night, and a chance to Purdify the HB Double-Toothpicks. Because of a series of unfortunate inconveniences, I was unable to get to the library until 9:45 pm, but I accoutered myself in Chrisgear and went to get my copy of the Iliad. It was a very warm and lovely evening, and I was the most heavily dressed out of everyone I saw.

When I went to the computers to find where my copy (of the 92 in the library) would be, I found every computer was occupied by pretty people--apparently it was a date-night of sorts. I received a numbered of disdainful power-ignores (you know, when people go out of their way to ensure you know they are ignoring you), a couple sniggers, and a few down-the-nose glances. I went up to one computer with the intent of standing awkwardly close until the user left, but they noticed my purposeful approach, signed off, and let me take it--all without looking at me directly.

The Iliad I was looking for was in the Juvenile section, and I had a considerable amount of trouble finding it. Fortunately, there was an obvious Jock who sniggered (I don't know exactly what a "snigger" is, but both times it happened, the sound was similar and mildly spurnful) and gave me a slightly contemptuous sneer. So, of course, each time I failed to find the call number of my book, I just happened to walk all the way to the end of that particular row, pass just close enough to Mr. Jock (giving him a helpfully conciliatory grin) to make him uncomfortable, and cruise through the stacks for another attempt. On the fourth try I found my book.

When I checked out, the check-out-helper-lady smiled, was very kind, and completely separated herself from the sallow-minded people who had ignored me earlier. I do not know how many other Chris-copies she had helped during the day, but she took me completely in stride.

I do not know if the other people ignored me because I did not look like I was ready for a date, or if it was because my attire was entirely inappropriate, or maybe it was because everyone except the actual librarian was conceited and self-absorbed and wanted nothing to do with a slightly awkward-looking library patron. Whatever it was, I found myself liking librarians.