Found a simple trick for finding challenged books at my local library

I kept running into trouble finding banned books at my library near Boston because they either weren't on the shelf or the catalog was confusing. So I tried asking the reference librarian directly instead of just hunting on my own. She told me most libraries keep challenged books in a special section or behind the desk, not on the open shelves. Last Tuesday I asked and they pulled out three copies of "The Hate U Give" that I thought were missing. Now I just go straight to the desk and ask, saves me about 20 minutes every trip. Has anyone else had luck with a different trick for accessing these books?

2 comments

2 Comments

miles_perez13d ago

Honestly that kinda mirrors something bigger I've noticed. People just don't ask for help anymore, they'd rather waste 20 minutes staring at a screen than talk to a real human who knows the answers. It's like we forgot libraries are run by people who actually want to help you find stuff. Probably the same reason half my regulars at the bar won't just ask me what beer is fresh, they'll stare at the taps for ten minutes then order something flat.

ward.fiona12d ago

@miles_perez I get what you mean but sometimes asking feels awkward or like you're bothering them.