Dear Library Patron

Dear Library Patron,

I understand that tax season is in full swing, and you want to use our public use computers to do TurboTax, or whatever site you use, to do your taxes. Have at it, but remember these things.

You get one hour on the computer. If there is no wait list for reservations, you do have the option of extending your time. This has to be done BEFORE the computer logs you out, however, otherwise you will lose your work. If you try to extend your time AFTER the computer logs you out, I might just laugh at you.

If there is a reservation for your computer after your hour is up, then there is no way we can extend your time. You have to go and make another reservation. Yes, I know this is frustrating, but you came to the library on a busy evening when there are tons of other people here using the computers.

No, we cannot tell the 10 year old who is surfing his MySpace page that you need his computer. That's not the way it works. You may think that your computer work is more important that MySpace, but that argument won't fly with the 10 year old. Plus, he made his reservation like everyone else, and he gets to use his time.

And the biggest one - NO, I cannot help you do your taxes. I've never used TurboTax, or whatever it is that you are trying to use, and even if I had, I am NOT a certified Tax Professional. Library employees are not allowed to do your taxes for you, and I don't know why you would think that that was a good idea, anyway.

Lucky for you, the library is hosting some real live tax professionals who come in twice a week to help people with their taxes - for FREE. Please stop harassing the nice library employees.

Thank you very much,

Your friendly neighborhood librarian.