Death and _______

Taxes. That's right.

It's time to complain about taxes. No, not about paying them. Or filling out the forms and turning them in on time.

This is the library version. Let me share with you some facts about the library and tax forms this year.

1. The IRS did not send us forms.
2. They did send us instruction books and a binder full of reproducible forms.
3. People get frustrated about the lack of free forms, as in "the olden days."
4. Librarians are standing there, trying to answer questions.
5. People get frustrated with the librarians.

How is this fair? Since when did we become the spokespeople for the IRS? I know you're mad about your taxes, old people, but we are not the problem! Sorry you don't want to go online to print them out, but it's time to face the facts. The internet is not just a fad.

Now to be fair, some people are very grateful for anything we can give them. But others seem to be of the opinion that we the library staff are witholding tax forms from them out of spite. And also making them pay to make copies of the reproducible tax forms.

"I'm already paying taxes, I'm not paying that!"

What, 10 cents? For paper and ink? Fine, we don't NEED your dime!

It's usually best to just nod sympathetically and blame the IRS. "Yes, I know it's stupid. I understand you feel you've been treated unfairly. Ten cents, please."

And the people who try to ask us tax-related questions? Sure, ask away! We'll just look at you like, seriously? We know a lot of things, but we are not responsible for filling out your tax forms. It's so flattering that you think we can advise you, though.

Oh well, 'tis the season. I'm prepared to see lots of new people come wandering in this time of year. "You don't even have to ask, attractive guy. I know you're not here to use the library, since guys like you usually don't. This way to the tax forms."

Sigh.