I live in a moderate size city of about 150 thousand. We have one main library downtown that is around 5 years old. We have several branch libraries around town. I happen to have a small branch library close to my house, so it is convenient to pop in for a quick trip to pick up a few books. But if I am looking for something specific, it usually isn’t there unless I have requested it in advance. That means I sit on the computer (not such a bad thing) and find the book, then request it and have it sent to my branch library. This usually takes up a to a week, depending if someone else is in line for it before me. This can make it difficult when the wind has taken us on a different path of study. I like to be spontaneous and pick up the book that will enhance our learning experience. The kids beg me to take them to the big down town library and it being fairly new and big and supplied with most of our needs, why shouldn’t I go there? Well, for one thing, in order to park in the garage under the building I have to pay for it. I would have to pay to park on the street too, but the garage is a much safer place to be. Our library happens to be across the street from the bus station. THE bus station central. Unfortunately the library is a hang out (the outside of it) for freaks. And I really mean that. I know it isn’t the nicest thing to say, after all God created them too and He loves them. The problem is, I don’t really want to see them, I don’t feel safe around them, and I don’t want my children to see them either. I know, not very loving, nice, christian or tolerant. I just can’t help it. So to give you an idea what I mean I will explain further the kinds of people that hang out in front.
Yesterday we went— because it was time and the selection really is so much better and I promised. Since I have been packing everything except the essentials, our book supply is minimal and the girls were itching to get their hands on some good reading material (I love that by the way!). So we went. This is what I saw:
-A man, with makeup dressed in a long fluffy ruffly skirt.
-lots of black trench coats.
-girls with all colors of hair in short black skirts, black fish net stockings, combat boots or high top converse, bright red or pink lipstick.
-Men or boys with large silver rings in their noses or ears.
-Lots of them, not just a few, but crowds, of people that look like this.
What I don’t get is why? Why do they dress like that, and why aren’t they doing something productive, like working or studying? Is this the future of America? It’s scary, I’m telling you.
So, what’s outside your library?
Susan
at our library there are a lot of homeless people. but those are certainly strange costumes at yours. no cross dressers at ours that i’ve seen.
Fortunately, I haven’t had to explain the “man” in a dress (it’s in quotes because you earn the title of man… all others are just guys).
We used to have a dungeon of a library that was next to the courthouse annex. Now we have a fancy schmancy really nice new library with a gigantic children’s section, as well as computer classes and huge selection of audio books, DVDs, CDs and anything else you might be looking for.
Before we visit, I usually put a hold on the books I want so they’ll be waiting for me at the circulation desk as soon as I get there. Talk about NICE!
My boys prefer the browse and snag method of library book picking. They see it, they like it, they get it!
What’s outside my library? Pretty much the same thing. :> God bless the freaks!
Yesterday I saw a man riding a bicycle that looked like a motorcycle shape with pink fleece pants and a blue hat with a fuzzy ball on top and I got a little homesick for the valley…You just don’t see much of that here.
Hi Susan,
Just stopping by to say hi- I’ve been thinking about you with your big moving project..Sounds like it’s going well. Natalie and I laughed at your description of our library. Our city is so weird!!
I used to live on the college campus and we had a guy come down our street regularly with barbie doll heads strung around his waist like a belt shouting obscenities. We got so used to it that it became “normal”for us -until we had out of state guests visit who were shocked!
I’ll respond, since you asked! Yes I’ve seen them and wondered why do they look/act like that? And yes, they are rejecting society’s standards (as should we). maybe they are hurting (aren’t we all?). maybe they are lost, though the exterior is such a false way to tell (and if they are lost-who will tell them if we stay in our fear?). and surely because they want and deserve our attention, our prayer, our kind smile, His love demonstrated through us… for He clearly asks us to love the “least of these.” We live in a valley full of opportunity!
(and yes, you CAN help it.)
In service with you,
Brenda
Sounds like my old & freaky high school, even the fluffy skirt guy.