Note: This post contains mentions of substance abuse and abuse.

Here are some of the most fascinating and shocking stories:

1.

“There’s a difference between a library assistant and a librarian.

Person receiving documents from a cashier at a public service counter, with a background of bookshelves and administrative items

The person you see at the desk or stacking books is most likely a library assistant.

“As a children’s director in a public library, the book challenges always break my heart.

ccballard

3.

Reddit post on r/teenagers showing a textbook page covered in spilled colorful ink, with the caption: "I just spilled a whole glass of water on my annotated book that’s due tomorrow"

“People who ruin books by marking out words and scenes they don’t like.

“Circulation clerk here.

The amount of sneezed-in or sneezed-on books I’ve seen is staggering.

A Reddit thread discussing Scholastic Book Fairs with a user comment mentioning Deltona Quest as their favorite series. The image shows various books displayed at a fair

And it’s not just kids' books adults are just as gross.”

actingkalokairi

5.

“I work at a school library.

An instructor assists two students with their work on computers in a library setting

One of the things that I will highlight is the Scholastic Book Fair.

Scholastic Book Fairs are admittedly the best but also a ton of work.

Thankfully, I have some wonderful volunteers, but for one week a year, it is admittedly exhausting.

A woman in a denim jacket is seated at a laptop in a library. She is looking at the camera, with her chin rested on her hand, next to a brown bag

Always support your school book fair if it’s possible for you to!”

Plus, digitization is NOT preservation!

Also, it gets really old assuming I love the smell of old books.

Taylor Swift in a library, wearing a beige cardigan and glasses, holding a finger to her lips, gesturing for silence

wagrobanite

7.

I have worked in book retail and a public library.

“The amount of times customers have physically assaulted me.

Person arranging books on a library shelf, wearing glasses and a collared shirt. Shelves behind are filled with various books

I’ve been punched, spit on, and tackled just for asking guests to follow the rules.

That, and the amount of poop we (and our staff) have to deal with regularly.

We finally caught him and had his ass thrown in jail.

People seated in groups reading and discussing in a library with bookshelves and large windows in the background

I quit and went into social work because it’s easier.”

Matt, 38, Oregon

9.

“Former university library technician here.

A crowd of people march down a street, holding a large yellow banner that reads "Save Our Libraries."

Also, nothing is ever too obsolete or too niche to be useful to a future researcher!”

“Being a librarian requires a master’s degree.

I found that out when trying to apply for a fun, low-key, part-time evening job.

Reddit post by u/toronto titled "Library Computers are back!" showing a service update sign: "Public computers are now available. Printing is not available."

I was floored, especially because of how low the pay was compared to the degree required.”

angoravec

11.

“I am a children’s librarian in the busiest library in my state.

A person seated in a library reading a book, with another person in the background browsing shelves

What never ceases to amaze me is the behavior of some parents.

“Public librarian here.

Libraries are classic third places offering information on anything you’re free to conceive.

A woman sits at a desk with a laptop, surrounded by five young girls, all smiling, in a library setting with shelves of books in the background

I’ve hosted programs on floral arranging, food insecurity, basic computer skills, and cake decorating.

All for free!”

“Academic librarian here working at a state university.

I work in purchasing library materials, aka acquisitions.

Besides what we buy, it’s much like working in any other business office.

Not all jobs are service jobs, though!

We have many ‘back of the house’ jobs with virtually zero contact with library patrons.

Cataloging at a big university is a great gig for detail-oriented introverts.

It’s not all bad.

I do like working for a place that isn’t exclusively motivated by corporate greed.

The majority of my coworkers are awesome to work with.”

leopardnimoy

15.

“I’m normally in technical services, but collection development is a very challenging part of the job.

(Due to the small size of our library, everyone multitask in several areas.)

Plus, it feels like politicians are just outright trying to get rid of us.”

“The amount of people who think our jobs are obsolete because of Google.

Google can give you a million answers, but a librarian can find you the right one.

Also, we DON’T get paid to read all day!

The politics of an institution can be tedious to navigate, especially in academic libraries.

Libraries are one of the last places that are free to just exist in.

They are welcoming, no matter your socio-economic status.

ld714891

17.

“I work in a public library.

A lot of the time, it’s not about providing books.

It’s about helping people who do not have it at home reach the internet.

It’s about helping people apply for jobs, food stamps, and public housing.

We deal with violence and drug overdoses; we report crimes and abuse.

At my location, we even hand out free gun locks, condoms, and pregnancy tests.

People do not realize how important they are to communities.”

Our total annual budget is $132,000.

Foreverything: materials, payroll, craft supplies, utilities, insurance, programming you name it.

I LOVE my job, but it is stressful.

I’m guessing my job is close to nothing like what many think it’s like.”

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.