No Loitering

The last refuge for the weary in downtown Nashville is gone.

I'm speaking, of course, of the exquisite downtown library, which still exists, but will no longer welcome me if I'm not sufficiently productive while there.

For the past three years, the library has been my sanctuary of idleness, the place I could go to let my mind wander unproductively for 45 minutes in the middle of a stressful work day.

But sadly, those days are gone. Last week, I noticed a sign by the front door that read: "No eating, drinking, smoking or loitering."

I understand, and generally obey, the first three. The fourth is a genuine source of bafflement. No loitering? At the library? Why not?

Isn't that like a "no loitering" sign at a public park?

Why, exactly, can't I loiter at a public space funded by my tax dollars? Who is the victim if I choose to sit aimlessly in a library chair for half an hour? Why am I allowed to to go inside the library and take things for free, but not to go in and do nothing?

The policy isn't just senseless, it leaves open an endlessly perplexing list of ambiguities. For example, what level of productivity must I achieve to be in compliance with library policy? If I can't just idly stare out the library window, what if I stare out the window but have a book in front of me? Must the book be open? What if I'm not actually reading it? If I was actively reading it, how long of a break from it can I take without facing the wrath of those notorious library security goons? And if they are serious about this "no loitering" thing, why did they buy all those comfy leather chairs?

With all these gray areas, I'm not sure how they actually enforce this rule. But at least it isn't self-contradictory, like one of the others. As I mentioned, the sign by the front (and only) entrance also prohibits food. But the library's second floor, which cannot be reached without walking past through that front door, contains an outdoor square with a sign reading: "Enjoy our outdoor courtyard: a perfect place to read, relax or enjoy your lunch!"

Ok, but how do you get your lunch to the courtyard? And when does relaxing become loitering?

One day I'm going to find a librarian and ask these questions. I'm pretty sure the librarian will think I'm crazy. And then the librarian will ask me to either find something more productive to do with my time or get out of the library.