Most of my movies come from Netflix these days, but tonight I ran into the library to return some things. Then I found a few books and an old movie on DVD. The movie container has to be opened by a librarian before a borrower can check it out on the self-service machines.

I set the book bags down on the floor at the end of the librarian counter. Mostly because I didn’t want to put them by the machines as they are usually being used.

After the librarian gave me the DVD, I went about three steps over to where the book bags were. Here’s the dialogue:

Librarian: M’am. M’am! You are to check the DVD out on the machines here.
Me: I will when I pick up my books.
Librarian: I’m sorry, I can’t let you leave this area and go back in the stacks.
Me: I’m not going back in the stacks, I’m picking up my books (bend down to the bags).
Librarian: M’am, I’m not allowed to let you loose back there.
Me: I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here getting my books.
Librarian: You have to use the machines right there, right after I give you the movie. You can’t go back.
Me: I’m not going back. I’m picking up my books. See?
Librarian: Oh. Sorry.

Hooray for Netflix!