Al-PhA-BET

You know, anyone who has gone to school has learned the alphabet...that's a given. If you don't know the "Alphabet Song" by the time you're 4, there is something wrong with you. And yet, I have people coming into the library who CAN'T find a book on the shelf...in alphabetical order by last name. How HARD IS IT???? 

I've seen people walk down a row, staring at the top shelf and completely ignoring the shelves beneath. I've seen people (young and perfectly able to bend at the waist and look) who NEVER find books on the bottom shelf. How many people don't know how a BOOKSHELF works?????

Dang. Are you stupid or lazy or BOTH!

Please parents...consider your children's lives once you quit doing everything for them. Let them look first...and if they need help, teach them to come to me to ask. THAT will do more to help them in school than anything you can do by frantically looking at the piece of paper they handed you with their assignment on it and expecting me to find everything they need while they are off at soccer practice.

You are NOT doing them a favor!

I can look at the children coming into my library and have a good idea who will do well in school. They are the ones whose parents patiently help them look for books, but give them space to look first. The ones who hop up on the stool and search for what they want...and at age 9 can put them on hold too. The ones who say "please" and "thank you" when I help them. Resourcefulness and politeness...two major elements to future success. :)

Here's hoping kids don't lose the ability to search alphabetically because online they can just put in a word and have everything handed to them on Wiki...(they think).

HRUMPH!