Baffling Library and Bookstore Requests: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Working in a library or bookstore can be an enriching experience, filled with fascinating customers and memorable requests. From ludicrous and bizarre to endearing and curious, here are some of the most unusual and baffling requests from my time working in a used bookstore at a library and a traditional bookstore.

Stranger Things at a Library or Bookstore

Stranger Things at a Library

Working at the library, I often encounter a range of strange requests from patrons. In one incident, a mother came to me for recommendations for her junior high-aged child. I suggested some harmless, innocuous books but mentioned Harry Potter, to which the mother vehemently objected, stating, "we are Christians!" Harry Potter was returned to the shelf, and we both breathed a sigh of relief.

The Firm and Fame

Local high schools often list The Firm by John Grisham on their summer reading lists. Around late May, moms started approaching the bookstore demanding copies of the book. Every time I fetched a paperback for the mom, they would look at the cover for several seconds, then hand it back and request, "I need the one by Tom Cruise." This was a regular and bizarrely specific request, leaving me and the customers alike astounded.

Shakespeare Inquiries

Another recurring bizarre request was from parents looking for their children’s Shakespeare plays. "Romeo and Juliet," "MacBeth," and "Midsummer Night's Dream" were popular choices. However, moms would search through the various editions and request, "but they need it in English." This inconsistency in the request always left me scratching my head.

Unique Book Titles

A moment of pure embarrassment occurred when a high school boy came in, asking for help with a book he had never heard of. He had written the book title on a tiny piece of paper—Donkey Hoke. His request added a layer of drama to the interaction that day.

Improbable Library Requests

Undressed Librarian Inquiry

One of the most bizarre and unequivocally denied requests happened at a very liberal library back in the Obama presidency. A woman approached the information desk, vehemently asking if a librarian could be undressed and if she could be undressed as well. The answer was immediate and firm—denied.

Unexplained Interest in Nostradamus

Recently, I was researching Nostradamus and requested a book covering ancient plant and medicine practices based on his pre-famous medical work. My expectation was that it would be of interest to others, but I was surprised to find out that the information was not available. This oddity made the woman think I was "the strangest woman" she had ever met.

Copying Requests

Another unique request that frequently happened in my bookstore was when patrons came with a large stack of books and flagged pages with post-its, asking for copies of all the marked pages. Despite the simple answer of "no," they insisted, clearly expecting a copy service.

Context and Conclusion

From these experiences, it becomes clear that libraries and bookstores are not just gathering places for books, but often theater stages for unusual and unexpected requests. These experiences remind us of the unique and often bizarre relationships between patrons and the books that bring us knowledge and entertainment.