LIBRARIAN: Hello. What can I do for you today?
WOMAN: Hi. Uh, I’m looking to get a library card.
LIBRARIAN: You mean, you want to become a library member?
WOMAN: Yes.
LIBRARIAN: Sure. I’d be happy to help you with that. Are you a resident of San Diego?
WOMAN: I am, but I just recently moved here. Two months ago. Does that make a difference?
LIBRARIAN: No, it’s fine as long as you have proof of residence. You know, um, something with your local address, like a billing statement, driver’s license…
WOMAN: I have my community center card.
LIBRARIAN: That’ll work! Now, are you familiar with our library’s policies?
WOMAN: Uh…
LIBRARIAN: OK, so a few things you need to know. First, our library hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday. We have shorter hours on the weekends, so we close at 6 p.m. And we are always closed on public holidays.
WOMAN: All right.
LIBRARIAN: Most books can be checked out, except for those in the reference and archives section. You can check out a book for up to two weeks at one time, and there are no extensions. If you needed to keep something longer, you’d have to return it, and then check it out again. Even then, you aren’t guaranteed to get it because there are waiting lists for checked-out materials.
WOMAN: But what if I’m working on an urgent school project?
LIBRARIAN: I’m sorry, but those are the rules.
WOMAN: I see. What happens if I return a book late?
LIBRARIAN: Late fees will be charged, and if you don’t pay within one week, your library membership will be revoked.
WOMAN: How much are the fees?
LIBRARIAN: $25 and upwards.
WOMAN: Quite steep!
WOMAN: Is it OK if I bring coffee and some snacks into the library? I’m often there for long periods of time, and get hungry.
LIBRARIAN: Beverages and food are allowed on the first, second, and fourth floors.
WOMAN: Why not the third?
LIBRARIAN: That’s the reference and archive floor. We have some very old materials up there, and we can’t risk having anything spill on them.
WOMAN: Makes sense.
LIBRARIAN: Oh, and no food or drink is allowed in the computer lab.
WOMAN: There’s a computer lab?
LIBRARIAN: Well, sort of. The computers allow you to search for library materials, and to do online journal searches. But you can’t, uh, use the Internet for personal reasons. You can’t even check your email.
WOMAN: Is there Wi-Fi, in case I bring my laptop?
LIBRARIAN: Absolutely! It’s pretty fast, too.
WOMAN: Um, everything sounds good. I’d like to sign up now, if possible.
LIBRARIAN: You bet. What’s your name?
WOMAN: Debbie Henderson.
LIBRARIAN: Spelling of your last name?
WOMAN: H-E-N-D-E-R-S-O-N.
LIBRARIAN: Your date of birth?
WOMAN: October 7, 1980.
LIBRARIAN: OK. If you just give me your proof of residence, I can finish entering you into the system. Then a membership card will be sent to your address within one week. In the meantime, I’ll print you a temporary library pass.
WOMAN: Thank you. And when does it expire?
LIBRARIAN: It doesn’t! You’ll be a member as long as we are open.
WOMAN: Great! Thanks so much for your help.
LIBRARIAN: Any time.