[LM_NET] TAR: Enthusiastic library parent problem

[Gail Brubaker <srvca.library@COMCAST.NET>]

We have library volunteer parents who accompany each class and usually do the read 
aloud and help with checkout since I'm the only one in the library. While I do have 
a few that aren't very interesting story-tellers, I have one enthusiastic mom who 
is just a delight. However, she has just emailed me a listing she found for a large 
leather chair that she wants to buy and donate to replace the chair that parents 
currently sit in. The problems are: I don't like the chair! I don't think leather 
is a good choice in an elementary school library because kids use this chair as 
well and is rather formal and doesn't look very cozy. The $300 could be spent in so 
many ways that are truly needed, yet the parent isn't interested in the other items 
I've said we could benefit from. She also wants a side table so the reading parent 
can put their keys, sunglasses, a glass of water and the book on it. (A glass of 
water near our picture books? I tell the kids not to do that!)

She means well, but how can I redirect her or flat-out say no without dimming her 
excitement for story time? By the way, she reads for 2nd graders, and actually 
sings a welcome song each time they come in. Last week as her own daughter came in 
the door, she cringed and covered her ears while saying, "No! Not the song" just as 
her mom began. It's a cute song, but a bit babyish for them. Any tactful responses 
are greatly appreciated.

Gail Brubaker, Librarian
srvca.library@comcast.net
San Ramon Valley Christian Academy
Danville, CA    -    www.srvca.org

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