If you’re familiar with my last blog post, it featured ways to display yourself as a “mysterious indie girl,” and leave people begging to know more. 

One of my favorite places to continue my mysterious indie girl activities is at the library, but I have to admit it often ends in failure. The cause of this? Too many chances to see people you know.

However, I had to drop in that THE Ashley Chen said I looked mysterious earlier this week at the library. 

Anyway, this is a breakdown of some of my best and worst Naperville Public Library interactions, and how to recreate/avoid them.

1. ACCIDENTAL PSAT MEET UP

On the day of the PSAT, seniors didn’t have class. Because I was inappropriately behind in college apps and school, I decided to switch up my study environment and make my way to Nichols. I had confidently walked in in my shark slippers, ready for a productive day of mystery and essays. But on my way in, I spotted two post-PSAT juniors (Matthew & Soohyun). Not a great start. I made my way further into the library, and I saw a glass room filled with NNHS AP Lit students. You can guess who this played out. 

Unfortunately, I am cursed with the inability to be quiet when I’m near my friends. This 

day had ended in zero productivity, and a collective $30 spent on boba alone.

And even when I tried to separate from the group, I kept making accidental eye contact over the glass cubbies in the quiet zone (shoutout to Kathryn). It happened multiple times.

The problem: Friendship

The solution: If you feel the urge to go to the library on days off, don’t. Or at least make sure your friends aren’t there first. Sometimes I set time limits on myself, and if I don’t get any work with my friends for a certain amount of time I would go home or to the cubbies (away from others). 

I’m currently writing this entry at the library on election day, and was surprised to not find any friends! That is the reason this post is being written.

2. THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE DMED OVER INSTAGRAM, BUT HAVE NEVER TALKED TO

This one may not be a single interaction but it has happened time and time again. 

People spend hours on social media every day, especially Instagram. With the habit of constantly viewing other people’s pictures, you start to recognize the names and faces of those you have never met. If it’s a random person, it’s normally fine, but the complications start when it’s a friend of a friend or someone you have connections with but don’t talk to. 

However, these are supposed to be the people that you ultimately never interact with, or maybe at most a couple of times a year.

Although some people go to great lengths to avoid seeing others in public, I’m normally open to the idea. It can be quite fun! Unless you’re in the library.

Here, I find myself sitting in an uncomfortable chair, and wondering what to do. I become the person desperately avoiding eye contact, unsure if I should say hi to them.

The problem: Do I even know you?

The solution: If it’s an acquaintance, do a quick wave, but then walk away with a purpose. If it’s a further connection and they’re in your line of sight, simply go to a different part of the library or avoid looking in their direction.

3. PUZZLE DAY!

Not every day at the library has to be a study day. My friend and I have developed a fondness for the puzzle table in the library, which is often overlooked. But in all honesty, we only discovered it to avoid studying and to pass the time. 

One day, we spent an unfortunate amount of time trying to finish the puzzle but were very disappointed to not be able to finish it.

However, weeks later, we found ourselves back at the library, and there was a man we didn’t know who was almost halfway through the puzzle. With three people on the job, we began to make real progress.

Although talking to a random man you met isn’t always a great idea, we had so much fun and managed to finish the 1000-piece puzzle! People I had known dropped by at times, taking a look at how much progress we had made (shoutout Celina).

The lesson: Puzzles bring people together ❤️.

The recreation: Try the puzzle table. It might not be for everyone, but it doesn’t hurt to sit down for a second, especially if you have been working hard. It can be frustrating, but patience is important.

*BONUS* FIELD TRIPS

Unsurprisingly enough, my favorite library interactions are the ones where I end up not studying. Library field trip!

Once again, everybody needs a break from studying and being at the library. This could be going out to lunch at Everdines, or driving around to pick up your friend’s sister.  

Anyway, I have so much fun most of the time, maybe even too much fun. Every time I go I know that there might be an awkward interaction, but maybe there will also be a good one. 

I hope this can help you navigate future uncomfortable situations at the library.