Mean Library

According to the internet "The Lithgow Public Library is the public library of Augusta, Maine. Established in 1896, and expanded in 1979 and 2016, it holds about 67,000 books."

As you can see from the photograph below that I took today, the Lithgow Public Library is a lovely old building. What was not loving was my initial experience entering this library. I came in for the first time after the COVID-19 restrictions had subsided across the country but this library still required masking according to a sign on the front door so I came in wearing a mask. I walk with a cane because of my pain, heart, and lung difficulties, the last of which is exacerbated quite a bit by stifling masks. But as I said I was wearing one on this occasion to conform to their requirements. I was light-headed by the time that I got to the checkout desk and so I asked if there was a chair that I could sit on because I felt like I was passing out. The staff behind the desk immediately responded strongly, in a negative way, one of them saying, "Oh no, you cannot sit in the library, it is a hygiene issue." What! ? ! That is the first time in my life that I have ever heard anything like that. I will let history be the judge of it, but at the time it seemed mean to not let an old lady sit when she said she felt like she was passing out. What strange, cruel people. I sat on the steps of the library for a while then went home to think over what had gone wrong. All I can figure is that they were simply crazy with germophobia from the plan-demic propaganda, which overoad any pity for me a fragile old lady or any fear of legal liability that they might incur if an old lady collapsed onto the hard floor in front of their checkout desk, for want of a chair.

Not to mention that they started me off on the wrong foot at the only public library in town.

Lithgow Public Library is a beautiful old building.