Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is our host for the Friday Fictioneers challenge.
This week, her photo choice is provided by Ted Strutz
Sharon sat at her desk and looked out of the window.
The doors had opened at 9 o’clock sharp and everything was as neat as a pin.
By eleven, not a single person, let alone a child, had set foot through the door.
She was gutted, as she’d believed a children’s library in a small village would prove very popular.
At midday, an elderly man came in and shuffled up to her desk.
‘No takers, huh,’ he rasped. ‘Not really surprised…….. few kids here can read anyway, spend all day playing computer games. Sign of the times Missy.’
98 words
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About pensitivity101
I am a retired number cruncher with a vivid imagination and wacky sense of humour which extends to short stories and poetry. I love to cook and am a bit of a dog whisperer as I get on better with them than people sometimes!
In November 2020, we lost our beloved Maggie who adopted us as a 7 week old pup in March 2005. We decided to have a photo put on canvas as we had for her predecessor Barney. We now have three pictures of our fur babies on the wall as we found a snapshot of Kizzy, my GSD when Hubby and I first met so had hers done too.
On February 24th 2022 we were blessed to find Maya, a 13 week old GSD pup who has made her own place in our hearts. You can follow our training methods, photos and her growth in my blog posts.
From 2014 to 2017 'Home' was a 41 foot narrow boat where we made strong friendships both on and off the water. We were close to nature enjoying swan and duck families for neighbours, and it was a fascinating chapter in our lives.
We now reside in a small bungalow on the Lincolnshire coast where we have forged new friendships and interests.
Sharon sat at her desk and looked out of the window.
pensitivity101 
Oh how so very sad… And really is a sign of the times, unfortunately.
Sadly yes Dale
I thought I had readers but they have both pretty much quit. Mind you, this year, youngest bought me two books and two books for her brother (manga, in this case) as well as some for herself. Manga are Japanese graphic novels, but hey reading is reading, right?
Reading is indeed reading. I’m hoping to read more myself this year, but nothing appeals!!
Ahhh… I am trying to (finally) get my 24 books in one year. Pathetic, really. I used to read way more than that.
I have three on the shelf from three Christmases ago I haven’t touched, and one arrived on Sunday which I may start next!
Sometimes we just have to push ourselves to start. Though I know exactly what you mean. I decided I’m not spending on more book (right… she says as she orders another Kindle version – they don’t show in the shelves…) but that I’m going to start reading books in my shelves. So I did. I had one that I got from my mother’s when she moved and has been in my shelves for oh, I dunno… 15 years? I closed my eyes and pulled one. Was pleasantly surprised!!
best way!
🙂
Oh, I wanted to sad face that… so sad that children these days aren’t reading like they used to. It’s so sad to go into our library right now and see the children’s area empty (more from covid fear than literacy). That said, I was shocked by the low level of literacy in our area…
Thanks Bear
Oh too bad.
When a child discovers the magic of books, a door opens into a new universe. Of course computer games do that too, but the scenery is always better in books
I used to read quite a lot as a child and get lost in the world of print. I;m hoping to read more this year. Thanks for commenting Neil.
Oh, how sad is that? Well done.
Thanks Bill
That’s a depressing take and one that I hope isn’t based on true life, but I fear in some places it could be.
It’s sad isn’t it, to think that kids have no interest in books.
I’m so pleased my 2 kids are now picking up books and becoming avid readers.
Great. Are they allowed to read yours?
Not quite old enough for that yet, but I hope in the future I’m leaving something they will appreciate!
🙂
Hopefully not… Maybe once kids (and their parents!) discover it, people will begin to trickle in.
I think all kids should have the opportunity to enjoy books.
I agree 100%
Sparky works in the library and it is a happening place! He hardly ever has any down time and is kept on his toes during his whole shift. And there are tons of kids all the time! (Though the adult readership is down, the kids have doubled. Possibly all the zoom school is making them not want to be on the computer!)
I was a school librarian for two years and you’d always find me in the library on my breaks.
Sadly I think your story reflects reality today – whenever I read comments posted on newsfeeds etc. I am shocked. I so want to give them marks out of ten for spelling and grammar but have resisted so far as it would be too weird 😉
Thanks Jilly. I see it too and although I know we all make them, it can be annoying and distracting!
Turn up the heating and offer cookies. Maybe not seems sinister.
Good ploy. Kids love cookies.
A tale of our times. Fortunately, my local library entices kids in by holding reading sessions. One can only hope they continue to enjoy books into their teens.
Thanks for commenting Keith. Times are changing.
Don’t give up – the children will find it and some will love it!
Hope so!
Sadly I think your story is a true picture of reality for many children, and adults. I’m very glad that so many public libraries have met the challenge head on by coming up with creative ways to draw in new readers as children. Great story. I feel for your librarian, and hope she can break through in her village.
Thanks Margaret. I’m sure she will.
So disappointing for her. I felt it. I’m sure there are fewer kids who read with all the digital distractions. Parents have to be intentional in encouraging their children to read.
I liked the idea of offering cookies, and also remember ‘Story TIme’ in You Got Mail with Meg Ryan for the kids. Just need to pique their interest………
that’s the harsh reality of the new age
Sadly