Safe Spaces Under Construction

Today is Sunday and I am at the public library. High school never ends. It is a nice place to go. A building with many opportunities to learn and expand your horizons. I don't spend Sundays in school.

With the second floor remodel the computers are in the middle of the room. That means many float around like ghosts behind me. If they look over my shoulder? Maybe they can read my articles.

Chances are they are nosy and nothing else. There are signs stating the library is an "Inclusive safe space" posted outside. All are welcome. Hence the name "Public Library." The Computer Help Desk is also in the middle of the room: twelve feet to my right.

Good News: I know people who are willing to "Unleash my Superpowers."

Bad News: Super hearing is magnified on Sundays at the library.

I would rather hear a dog whistle than encountering two women fighting over the newspaper. On one hand? It's nice to see there are still people reading the actual newspaper. On the other hand? Two women were arguing over it.

Safe space. One accused the other of attacking her. My life as an outsider can work to my advantage because I did not have to resolve a conflict on my one day off. On Earth as it is in Heaven: I cannot escape conflict. The librarian reminded me of women of a certain age. She was on the brink of a breakdown and did not want to hear about this.

I haven't dealt with women on the edge since I had substitute teachers. How did I get older and shaky women remained the same age? The security guard was made aware and there were no further escalations.

After my session ended I asked this librarian if she felt like she was working in the children's section. As it turned out she had little or no understanding, humor or even empathy. Oh well: she was not interested in perspective and it did not impede my experience. There are no safe spaces. There are libraries and during the week they are quiet, enjoyable places to visit.