FYI.... from PUBYAC today:

Hello, everyone:

I wanted to put everyone at ease and let you know that Aaron Yang is indeed a real person as I have known him since he was about eight or nine years old. Aaron is definitely an avid reader and he likes to participate in any, or all,  library programs he can. However, he does come off rude if he is overwhelmed or doesn't get his way. Unfortunately, he was released as a Teen Advisory Board member at the Alhambra Civic Center Library because of a comment he made to me in an e-mail to which he later replied that he was sorry for what he said.  As for his claims about the summer reading programs where he lives, which is where I live and work, we have never denied him access to registration and prizes, but we were strict about how many prizes he could get as supplies were limited.

Since I have interacted with Aaron before when I worked at the Alhambra Civic Center Library, my advice is to stand your ground when it comes to the prizes. I would still encourage him to sign up for your reading programs, but let him know that all prizes must be picked up in person. He may to persuade you to send them to him, but, again, let him know from the get go that he has to pick up his prize in person or no prize. I totally agree with sending him a certificate of completion via email for him to print out if he needs if for school or proof that he completed the program, but if quantities of prizes are limited than you need to re-iterate that. I thought I saw on this listserv an email he sent explaining that prizes awarded competitors more points, but, offer him the suggestion that maybe he should seek out certificates of completion as big ticket winners if prizes can't be sent.   I am actually kind of shocked that he threatened a lawsuit because he wasn't allowed to sign up, but, then again, that's the way he reacts when it comes to being told "no." Honestly, I would not take those statements personally or literally, which is why we shouldn't panic as he usually forgets and moves on. In fact, if it gets to that point, definitely end the conversation by re-stating the rules and he will more than likely not sign up or won't communicate with you any longer. Does that mean he won't try to contact your colleagues? I don't know, but definitely let your supervisor know that you have had this conversation with him just so everyone is on the same page. Again, I am not trying to say don't let him sign up, but firmly tell him that prizes won't be mailed to him and offer him the suggestion of a certificate of completion.

I am curious to know if anyone said he could sign up (with the understanding that if he wanted a prize he would have to pick it up) if  he actually signed up or completed the program? The only reason I ask is I am not sure if he is signing up for these programs because he is enthusiastic about libraries and reading or if it's about the free stuff. More than likely it's the free stuff, but I definitely think each library has the right to say "no" or "yes."  Going back to the conversation of a  national summer reading program, it's a great idea, but aren't we already doing that by offering summer reading programs throughout the country? The differences between our programs are the rules and rewards so is it a matter of streamlining our programs where the rules and rewards are the same where kids and can teens can sign up for as many summer reading programs and get prizes albeit the same prize? I am definitely interested in exploring this idea, but we shouldn't have to re-invent the wheel since we already offering programs right now.

 On that note, try not to let Aaron get under your skin, but remember to be kind and stand your ground. He's a good kid, but he doesn't understand boundaries and tends to cross those boundaries to the point where you get frustrated. Try and have patience, but it's also  okay to say "no." Good luck and have a fantastic summer!

~Deborah


Deborah Takahashi
Librarian
Pasadena Public Library
Linda Vista Branch|1281 Bryant Street Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 744-7278
Santa Catalina Branch|999 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 744-7272
dtakahashi@cityofpasadena.net