To the amazing librarians out there

Dear Librarians in general (and in particular those found in the Monterey Public Library):

Thank you so much for understanding me. Really, I do not know what would have become of me on this ridiculous trip had I no longer access to the Northern California Digital Library.  Also, the recent updates to the site took a little getting used to, but they are quite an improvement. Nicely done!

Here is a (slightly edited for privacy) copy of our interaction, so I can prove how wonderful you all are to myself (and the 3 people who read this blog (love you family)) later if I happen to ever forget.

On Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 7:41 AM, A wrote:
Hello!

I recently have misplaced my library card. Actually, the truth is I am traveling through Latin America and use the card frequently to borrow ebooks on my iPad, which is amazing! What is not amazing is that I loaned this iPad to my sister on a bus so she could read, and then she promptly left it behind when we arrived.

The problem is not the now-lost iPad (even though it breaks my heart a little to lose my ereader), it is that I kept my library card with the iPad, and now I cannot access the digital library at all, even if I purchase a new reader. Is there any way to find that number in your systems? I would keep it safe this time!!

Thank you for any help you can provide!
Alison


On 24 Jan 2013, at 16:11, LibCheck Libcheck wrote:
Hi Alison,

We can look up your account number for you, but you need to be at the library in person with identification for that.


--
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

Circulation Desk
Monterey Public Library


On Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 3:48 PM, A wrote:
Oh dear. Well, I am still in South America and do not foresee a return trip north for at least 3 to 6 months.  Is there no other option?  Can I maybe send a photo of my ID and/or call?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Alison


On 26 Jan 2013, at 10:43, LibCheck Libcheck wrote:
Alison,

Unfortunately we need you to be at the library in person with photo identification to look up your library card number, for security reasons.


--
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

Circulation Desk
Monterey Public Library


On Thu, Jan 26, 2013 at 5:32 PM, A wrote:
Ok. What if I send you my friend's (who currently is in Monterey) photo identification information and a copy of mine and have her come in and ask for my card number?  Or, if I have someone who looks like me, or knows a lot of my personal information, or any combination thereof? I'm sure I could find a passable body double if I put my mind to it. 

I don't know if I can survive without access to inexpensive reading (but no pressure, I honestly understand your job is more important than my library card number)!
Alison

On 4 Feb 2013, at 15:19, LibCheck Libcheck wrote:

Alison,

Sorry for the late response. I will go ahead and make an exception for you since you are out of the country and likely never going to give up. Your account number is ___.


--
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

Circulation Desk
Monterey Public Library


On Thu, Jan 26, 2013 at 5:32 PM, A wrote:
Thank you so very extremely much!! Have a fantastic day!



Librarians are the absolute best! Thank you for understanding me, thank you for always knowing the most interesting things, thank you for your patience (especially for people who demand the same thing over and over), and thank you for all the work you do without my knowing of it.

Yours,
alison