http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8276243.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8276243.stm)
QuoteLibrary 'scissor ban' is 'absurd'
A north London council has apologised after a woman was refused the loan of a pair of scissors in a library because she "might stab a member of staff".
Lorna Watts, 26, a self-employed dressmaker, was turned down at Holborn Library in central London.
She said: "It's ridiculous - public libraries are supposed to be supportive of small businesses."
A spokeswoman for Camden Council, which runs the library, has apologised and said it would investigate the incident.
Ms Watts, from Islington, north London, said: "I asked why I couldn't borrow a pair of scissors and she said, 'they are sharp, you might stab me'.
"I then asked to borrow a guillotine to cut up my leaflets but she refused again - because she said I could hit her over the head with it!"
'Absurd' policy
She added: "It's absurd - there are plenty of heavy books I could have hit her with if I wanted to.
"I hardly look very threatening - it's really sad she could not make a commonsense judgement."
The businesswoman then visited another three libraries in north London but her request was rejected in each of them.
A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive said there was no policy in place on lending sharp implements.
"People know their own workplaces and must carry out their own risk assessments", she said.
"But we do ask workplaces to take a common sense approach.
"This could be a case of someone misinterpreting the rules."
A Camden Council spokeswoman said: "We are sorry we have not reached our usual high standards. We will investigate fully as soon as possible."
Presumably they wouldn't have lent her a rock if they had one.
In their world paper always wins. :rolleyes:
edit:
On second thoughts maybe she was stoned ? :cool:
Quote from: Armyknife on September 26, 2009, 05:24:59 PM
Quote
"I then asked to borrow a guillotine to cut up my leaflets but she refused again - because she said I could hit her over the head with it!"
:unsure: Not the first thing I would think of doing with a guillotine.
Quote from: Armyknife on September 26, 2009, 05:24:59 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8276243.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8276243.stm)
QuoteLibrary 'scissor ban' is 'absurd'
A north London council has apologised after a woman was refused the loan of a pair of scissors in a library because she "might stab a member of staff".
Lorna Watts, 26, a self-employed dressmaker, was turned down at Holborn Library in central London.
She said: "It's ridiculous - public libraries are supposed to be supportive of small businesses."
A spokeswoman for Camden Council, which runs the library, has apologised and said it would investigate the incident.
Ms Watts, from Islington, north London, said: "I asked why I couldn't borrow a pair of scissors and she said, 'they are sharp, you might stab me'.
"I then asked to borrow a guillotine to cut up my leaflets but she refused again - because she said I could hit her over the head with it!"
'Absurd' policy
She added: "It's absurd - there are plenty of heavy books I could have hit her with if I wanted to.
"I hardly look very threatening - it's really sad she could not make a commonsense judgement."
The businesswoman then visited another three libraries in north London but her request was rejected in each of them.
A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive said there was no policy in place on lending sharp implements.
"People know their own workplaces and must carry out their own risk assessments", she said.
"But we do ask workplaces to take a common sense approach.
"This could be a case of someone misinterpreting the rules."
A Camden Council spokeswoman said: "We are sorry we have not reached our usual high standards. We will investigate fully as soon as possible."
Presumably they wouldn't have lent her a rock if they had one.
In their world paper always wins. :rolleyes:
edit:
On second thoughts maybe she was stoned ? :cool:
I should start deleting my posts. Or changing them to dirty jokes.
Quote from: Ed Anger on September 26, 2009, 05:42:24 PM
I should start deleting my posts. Or changing them to dirty jokes.
"changing"?
Presumably they also refuse to lend out books, on the grounds they might be "hit over the head" with them.
I have to say that, based on the evidence given, this particular employee is a grade A moron. :lol:
Libraries are supposed to support businesses...businesses that can't even afford their own scissors? The UK be crazy.
Quote from: garbon on September 26, 2009, 06:22:01 PM
Libraries are supposed to support businesses...businesses that can't even afford their own scissors? The UK be crazy.
In this case, judging by the story it is more like "can't afford a photocopier" and just forgot the scissors.
Sounds like the "businesswoman" is just starting up, either with a new service or having just moved to the area. Probably a business run from home, by the sound of it. It would be cheaper to photocopy her leaflets at the library than use a standard home printer.
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 07:25:12 PM
In this case, judging by the story it is more like "can't afford a photocopier" and just forgot the scissors.
Sounds like the "businesswoman" is just starting up, either with a new service or having just moved to the area. Probably a business run from home, by the sound of it. It would be cheaper to photocopy her leaflets at the library than use a standard home printer.
Yes, she just happened to forget her scissors at 3 other libraries. I think that perhaps Ms. Watts would be better to attend to her business instead of a crusade for free scissors.
Quote from: garbon on September 26, 2009, 07:40:21 PM
Yes, she just happened to forget her scissors at 3 other libraries. I think that perhaps Ms. Watts would be better to attend to her business instead of a crusade for free scissors.
So, you think she is a "scissors crusader" who set up these libraries? Well, maybe that's true.
More likely, given the number of libraries in each borough of London, it was easier and faster for her to go on to the next one. Or, judging from the text, she tried other libraries on her way home.
There are at least eight libraries within one mile of the notional centre of Holborn, as far as I can tell.
Are there more libraries than stores that sell scissors?
Quote from: sbr on September 26, 2009, 08:09:11 PM
Are there more libraries than stores that sell scissors?
Indeed. I can hardly see not buying a pair after the first library, but she had to go to 4 to learn her lesson? :yeahright:
I have to say that I think this is really about one of those crazy ladies that goes around tormenting public institutions. The staff member probably refused to lend her scissors because she's certifiable.
Quote from: sbr on September 26, 2009, 08:09:11 PM
Are there more libraries than stores that sell scissors?
Since (and I kid you not) in some stores, if you look too young, you need an ID card that proves you are 21 (or possibly even 25 by now) in order to be able to buy spoons (due to there possible use as a weapon) I can well believe it - scissors have been classed as a potential offensive weapon in some shops for years.
The amusing thing is that despite stores requiring this card, even if spoons are classed with knives, it is still legal to buy them at 18...
As an aside, the above is why you cannot buy spoons or scissors in local branches of the Co-op, as I found out a few months ago.
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 08:19:01 PM
Since (and I kid you not) in some stores, if you look too young, you need an ID card that proves you are 21 (or possibly even 25 by now) in order to be able to buy spoons (due to there possible use as a weapon) I can well believe it - scissors have been classed as a potential offensive weapon in some shops for years.
Dunno about spoons as weapons, but if run-on sentences can be weapons, this one is a 10kt nuke.
Quote from: grumbler on September 26, 2009, 08:53:30 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 08:19:01 PM
Since (and I kid you not) in some stores, if you look too young, you need an ID card that proves you are 21 (or possibly even 25 by now) in order to be able to buy spoons (due to there possible use as a weapon) I can well believe it - scissors have been classed as a potential offensive weapon in some shops for years.
Dunno about spoons as weapons, but if run-on sentences can be weapons, this one is a 10kt nuke.
Only 10kt? I shall have to try harder in future. :(
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 08:19:01 PM
Quote from: sbr on September 26, 2009, 08:09:11 PM
Are there more libraries than stores that sell scissors?
Since (and I kid you not) in some stores, if you look too young, you need an ID card that proves you are 21 (or possibly even 25 by now) in order to be able to buy spoons (due to there possible use as a weapon) I can well believe it - scissors have been classed as a potential offensive weapon in some shops for years.
The amusing thing is that despite stores requiring this card, even if spoons are classed with knives, it is still legal to buy them at 18...
I had figured that the problem was that, being as this happened in the UK, you have pay a special scissors tax to get a scissors license, and the cost of the license was prohititive for small businesses. :D
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 08:55:04 PM
Only 10kt? I shall have to try harder in future. :(
It had megaton-level clauses but not megaton-level length.
Quote from: grumbler on September 26, 2009, 08:53:30 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 08:19:01 PM
Since (and I kid you not) in some stores, if you look too young, you need an ID card that proves you are 21 (or possibly even 25 by now) in order to be able to buy spoons (due to there possible use as a weapon) I can well believe it - scissors have been classed as a potential offensive weapon in some shops for years.
Dunno about spoons as weapons, but if run-on sentences can be weapons, this one is a 10kt nuke.
:lmfao:
I think they missed a very important threat. Millions of pages of paper. Massive potential for a paper cut massacre. :o
Quote from: Warspite on September 26, 2009, 08:16:51 PM
I have to say that I think this is really about one of those crazy ladies that goes around tormenting public institutions.
She is 26. Isn't "crazy lady" a more appropriate term for an elderly woman?
Some women are precocious.
Quote from: Maximus on September 26, 2009, 05:29:50 PM
Quote from: Armyknife on September 26, 2009, 05:24:59 PM
Quote
"I then asked to borrow a guillotine to cut up my leaflets but she refused again - because she said I could hit her over the head with it!"
:unsure: Not the first thing I would think of doing with a guillotine.
I think she was referring to what we call a
paper cutter in the US. You find them in most classrooms and offices i.e. the flatboard with the big blade used to cut the paper on an exact edge in large quantities.
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 08:19:01 PM
Quote from: sbr on September 26, 2009, 08:09:11 PM
Are there more libraries than stores that sell scissors?
Since (and I kid you not) in some stores, if you look too young, you need an ID card that proves you are 21 (or possibly even 25 by now) in order to be able to buy spoons (due to there possible use as a weapon) I can well believe it - scissors have been classed as a potential offensive weapon in some shops for years.
The amusing thing is that despite stores requiring this card, even if spoons are classed with knives, it is still legal to buy them at 18...
What has happened to English liberty? :weep:
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 27, 2009, 11:03:30 AM
What has happened to English liberty? :weep:
You have to do the same for spray paint in New York City. Oh noes!
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 08:19:01 PM
Since (and I kid you not) in some stores, if you look too young, you need an ID card that proves you are 21 (or possibly even 25 by now) in order to be able to buy spoons (due to there possible use as a weapon) I can well believe it - scissors have been classed as a potential offensive weapon in some shops for years.
The amusing thing is that despite stores requiring this card, even if spoons are classed with knives, it is still legal to buy them at 18...
Yes, the fear of showing ID necessitates that one visit 3 other libraries with the same request. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Martinus on September 27, 2009, 05:12:13 AM
She is 26. Isn't "crazy lady" a more appropriate term for an elderly woman?
You can use "crazy lady" to describe crazy women of any age.
Quote from: garbon on September 27, 2009, 11:42:48 AM
Yes, the fear of showing ID necessitates that one visit 3 other libraries with the same request. :rolleyes:
I would guess that she was trying to prove a point by then. I'd go to another library, too, trying to find out if it's a policy across the board, or simply that first librarian's paranoia. After the second, though, I'd have just asked and then gone and gotten my own damn scissors. <_<
Quote from: merithyn on September 27, 2009, 11:49:15 AM
Quote from: garbon on September 27, 2009, 11:42:48 AM
Yes, the fear of showing ID necessitates that one visit 3 other libraries with the same request. :rolleyes:
I would guess that she was trying to prove a point by then. I'd go to another library, too, trying to find out if it's a policy across the board, or simply that first librarian's paranoia. After the second, though, I'd have just asked and then gone and gotten my own damn scissors. <_<
I think she's one of those annoying people with too much time on their hands and a need for a fight. In ten years, she will be driving her husband to suicide with her neurotic nagging.
Quote from: merithyn on September 27, 2009, 11:49:15 AM
I would guess that she was trying to prove a point by then. I'd go to another library, too, trying to find out if it's a policy across the board, or simply that first librarian's paranoia. After the second, though, I'd have just asked and then gone and gotten my own damn scissors. <_<
The all important point that libraries won't let you borrow scissors? :o
Quote from: Armyknife on September 26, 2009, 05:24:59 PM
Ms Watts, from Islington, north London, said: "I asked why I couldn't borrow a pair of scissors and she said, 'they are sharp, you might stab me'.
"I then asked to borrow a guillotine to cut up my leaflets but she refused again - because she said I could hit her over the head with it!"
Unlike, say, a book?
Quote from: garbon on September 27, 2009, 11:59:50 AM
The all important point that libraries won't let you borrow scissors? :o
Nah,the point that she was just a paranoid bitch. And it would also depend on how much time I had to burn that day. Maybe she was bored.
Quote from: merithyn on September 27, 2009, 12:20:31 PM
Nah,the point that she was just a paranoid bitch. And it would also depend on how much time I had to burn that day. Maybe she was bored.
Dress making isn't all that it is cracked up to be...:weep:
Quote from: garbon on September 27, 2009, 11:42:48 AM
Yes, the fear of showing ID necessitates that one visit 3 other libraries with the same request. :rolleyes:
Two points to make here -
(1) Lots of people do not have the "PASS" card, as I believe it is called. I never carried one, and they did exist in the early nineties when I could have needed one.
(2) The point of my comment about spoons being removed from the shelves of stores as a "dangerous weapon" is that it is virtually impossible to find scissors without going to either -
(a) An out-of-town large store that thinks the crazies do not patronise it.
(b) A kitchenware/hardware store like Wilkinsons.
(c) A specialist sewing or other type of shop.
Admittedly,
I could find scissors in central London. However, the place I'd go to is two tube stops along the Central Line from Holborn. That's how bad it can be.
But I must admit I am coming round to the Languish consensus opinion that after she got refused at the first library she probably did go to others purely to "get a story".