I cannot not tell you, dear reader, what it is to be without a fixed internet connection for two months. Oh, and add two small children off school into the mix just for added fun.

Today I spent most of the day proof reading in the local library in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. It was interesting. Being close to the entrance I heard, more or less, what everyone said when they walked in. The most popular request, by far, was “Can I use a computer?”. Other questions included; “Do you have a fax?”, “Do you have a photocopier?” and (somewhat weird) “Can I borrow a stapler?”  Even better was “Do you know where I can find the nearest library?” (Answer: Yes, but you need to visit the local optician first). I also heard :”Do have have any newspapers?”, “Can you look after my kids for a minute while I pop over the road?” and “Do you sell blank paper?”

A few people took out some CDs. A few got a video and a few even managed to borrow some books (generally women with small kids or people aged 65+) but otherwise it seemed to be functioning as an offshoot of Staples Office supplies.  Actually the place was buzzing, although this might, in part, be due to the fact that the local post office had been moved inside the local Tesco.

Reminds me, slightly, of a cartoon in the Spectator (I think?) a while go:  Librarian to someone reading a newspaper – “Can you please not turn the pages so loudly, it’s disturning the people using the computers to play games!”

PS – An idea. UK post offices are rubbish. They have become benefit offices. They sell nothing (the one inside Tesco was quite put out when I asked if they sold envelopes – “No, we’re a post office”).  So why don’t local libraries sell all the things people used to get from the local post office – cards, writing paper, envelopes, pens, newspapers , computer suppies, magazines (books?) and so on. Just a thought.