Man in Pajamas at the Library: Reality Is Funnier Than Fiction

Summary: Reality is funnier than fiction as a man in pajamas nonchalantly patronizes a county's new, large headquarters library.

Sometimes an outfit may appear pajama-styled but really isn't a PJ: "Mr. Pajama Man" at New York Public Library, May 14, 2010, for Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala: Ciprian Tutu, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

This new year of 2015 may be off to a strange start. A funny thing happened last week -- the third week in January -- in the library.

Apparently last Saturday, Jan. 24, a man in pajamas patronized the county's new headquarters library.

My sister and I had been planning to spend the day there but instead had opted for a shorter day at the small neighborhood library that is open only for half a day on Saturdays. One of my sister's friends was bubbling with news at headquarters library a few days ago on Wednesday, talking happily about the Chinese crested dog she may be bringing home soon, and so she almost forgot to share the astounding news of last Saturday's unusual patron.

The friend had arrived a few minutes early at the library last Saturday. In the few minutes before staff opened the library's sliding doors to the public, a man joined her. She guessed his age as falling within the range of thirties to forties. He had an unexpectedly casual air because of his apparel. He was wearing a bathrobe over pajamas, and his feet sported bedroom slippers.

They chatted casually, as patrons often do as they cluster at the entrance awaiting the library's opening.

Pajama man shared that he had come to the library to renew a book. It is possible to renew online or by phone, so did he not own those electronic devices? Or was he a retro person preferring in-person interactions to the anonymity of electronic transactions?

He shared that he worked at the area's mental hospital! Considering his apparel, my sister's friend wondered to herself if he were indeed an employee or, rather, an escapee. On the other hand, there was nothing institutional about his pajamas, robe and slippers.

To the friend's relief, staff then unlocked the doors. My sister's friend headed for the stairway leading to the second floor computers. As she ascended the stairs, she realized that pajama man was behind her. Was he following her? He was choosing to walk past patron computers conspicuously and conveniently placed near the entrance on the first floor.

As she reached the stairway's top steps and came into view of the reference desk, she was greeted by one of the reference librarians. She told my sister that the expression on the librarian's face was absolutely priceless as her gaze fell upon the shadow: her eyes literally seemed to grow as big as saucers!

The friend settled into her favorite place toward the end of the first table of computers located to the right of the reference desk. Fortunately, her shadow did not follow her to the available computers on either side of her.

Instead, availing himself of a guest pass, he settled at the station closest to the reference librarian. Why did he use a guest pass? Ownership of a library card was implied by his stated intention of renewing a book. Sometimes, though, patrons seem to prefer anonymous signage via guest passes over identifiability via personal library cards.

Pajama man remained for the full hour of time available to patrons with their first access of the day. (Subsequent renewals are available at 30-minute intervals thereafter.) Then he betook himself back down the stairway and apparently exited the library without incident.

I wish that I had been there. Such a sight to see!

No pajama party was on the library's schedule for that day. Plus, story time pajama parties are a feature of the children's room and take place in the late afternoon or early evening.

Was it a dare? Was it some kind of fetish? Years ago I worked briefly with a young man who seemed to like marking places in his life with nightwear. He had attended a university class in pajamas, and he also wore them one day at the dour insurance company where we were employed.

The library's pajama man was allowed to come and go, without confrontation, without questions. Presumably he was left in peace because, apart from his startlingly unusual wardrobe choice, the man in pajamas at the library did not disturb the peace.

And to think that it happened at the library!

But then again, in the 21st century, libraries are becoming increasingly casual and give off home vibes, with in-library coffee shops and with no restrictions on patrons bringing in comestibles such as drinks, snacks, and even meals.

library pajama party display: Mosman Library, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

"Mr. Pajama Man" at New York Public Library, May 14, 2010, for Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala: Ciprian Tutu, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/tzutzanu/4616043751/

Pajama party at Mosman Library: Mosman Library, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/mosmanlibrary/5353210133/