'Noooooo!' I exclaimed upon witnessing a potential defacing of one of our books recently. Two youngsters accompanied their mother into the juvenile section here at Rhoads Memorial Library when I noticed they had candy with them. I told the mother that food and beverages are not allowed, so she instructed the youngsters to put the wrapped candy in their pockets.
Doubting this would happen, I decided to check on the children while their mother used one of our public access computers. Sure enough, the candy was left out, but it remained wrapped, which impressed me. But then I noticed that both children had pencils and an open book. The little girl held her pencil in mid-air, poised to scribble all over our precious book!
After my outburst (and regaining consciousness) I told the youngsters that they could draw on some blank scratch paper instead. They declined my offer, though, as Mom had completed her computer session and was ready to leave. Crisis averted!