Andy the Library Squirrel and the Technology Tantrum

Sometimes a thoughtful gift really isn't a gift at all.  In fact, there are times when a gift may become a burden. The intention behind the present is usually noble.  Often it entails thoughts of making a loved one's reading experience more varied and pleasant.  The advertisement for the item promises that it is incredibly easy to use and that any necessary tech support will be available at all times.  Gentle, thoughtful, Buyer, please beware.  If the person receiving the gift does not regularly use modern technology, there are going to be issues. If the "giftee" does not understand how to use their gift, it is no gift at all.

Above you see Andy, Manitowoc Public Library's beloved Library Squirrel. The kindly ladies in the Children's Department taught him to read a long time ago. Andy began visiting us as a young squirrel when he attended Story Time with his mother.  His little eyes were barely open but the library became a refuge for him from his rowdy siblings (who were all banned due to their excessive chewing of library materials).  It was mutual love at first sight. (Baby squirrels are adorable.)

If you've seen Andy on our Facebook page, you know that he loves to help others.  He has spent time working on our Automated Materials Handler.  He has donated books to our yearly book drive, The Best Gift Ever.  (He still treasures his copy of Harold and the Purple Crayon that he received from us as a young kit.)  Andy is also an avid reader.

Unfortunately for Andy, the kind intentions of a generous benefactor have gone awry this holiday season. Someone thought that he would like to store his books on an eReader.  The thought was that Andy would be able to read at night, while the library was closed.  Andy would no longer get lost in the fiction stacks looking for his next favorite read. Andy would no longer have to wait for his holds to become available. He could just download the book and read to his little heart's content. They didn't realize that Andy enjoys browsing through the book shelves and he doesn't mind waiting for a book.  He's got plenty of material to enjoy while he waits.  

Sadly, Andy is having a difficult time with technology because his little paws just don't work well with touch screens.  He can read and munch nuts when we set the eReader up for him but squirrels are very active creatures. Although the device seems light to us, poor Andy cannot hold onto it nor can he carry it very far. It also doesn't fit in his nest.  We've tried to explain the concept of wireless technology to him several times and in return, he scolds us and demands that we figure out how to get the book he wants onto his device. Add onto that frustration the concept of having a holds list on electronic copies and you will understand why Andy has not been himself lately.

Fortunately, we have talked Andy down out of his tree.  We will all be helping him get used to his new device.  He is now receiving book and technology counseling.  This counseling is similar to the "I'm OK, You're OK" mantra.  It is acceptable to prefer books to eReaders.  It is natural to enjoy having access to many books on one device.  You can enjoy both things.  If Andy sounds like someone know, someone who may have received a gift they want to use but aren't sure how to use, send them to the library.  Don't let their gift drive them nuts like Andy!