In my childhood my city had a "bookbus" driving around to the outskirts of the city so people didn't have to travel to the main library. You could pick up reser

In my childhood my city had a "bookbus" driving around to the outskirts of the city so people didn't have to travel to the main library. You could pick up reservations, browse through a selection, and return books. It was a brilliant concept, and I was waiting for it faithfully every week. If I wasn't there the librarian/driver would ask the next week what I had been doing since I didn't turn up. He was a kind man and often had recommendations for me. I owe that man a lot for the escape he provided for a child from a troubled home. Many years ago, as a teenager, I went down to the main library to return some books I had borrowed. I knew I was late and I knew I had to pay a fee because of it, but I'd rather pay the fees with my savings than lose access to the library. The librarian at the desk is the same man that has been driving the bus for as long as I can remember. He takes the books, taps at the keyboard a bit, hand me my receipt, smiles and wish me a good day. I ponder for a few seconds about the late fees, but decide against just walking away - I really don't want it to somehow result in suspending my card. So I tell him that I believe there is some late fees that I need to pay. His takes off his glasses and his face turns serious and say "Someone that has been visiting my bookbus since he was about this high (signaling around waist), don't have to pay just because his miss the return date by a week. You returned them, that's what matters". I still think about this, and if he is still alive I wish I could somehow tell him this story. He was passionate about his job and he made a difference.