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If you are somebody that visits a library regularly, you may have asked librarians questions about books on occasion. It is a service that they provide, but we are now learning that they offer much more.

This came in the way of a useful library hack posted in a TikTok video.

Photo: Pixabay/Foundry Co

That Guy Matthew, a social media user, said the librarians are able to assist you with “a bunch of problems,” including offering assistance to patrons that may need help in the form of a phone call.

After Matthew posted the video, it went viral. He shows himself sitting at the reference desk, using a hand puppet as the hold music plays. After someone picks up the phone, he tells them why he is calling.

Photo: TikTok/@mhoothewho

He says:

“Hi, my name is Mr. Matthew. I’m a librarian with [redacted]. I’m actually calling on behalf of one of our patrons with phone anxiety. [Name redacted] would like to cancel her appointment for February 7.”

Photo: TikTok/@mhoothewho

Some information was exchanged with the doctor’s office, and they seemed to cancel the appointment. Matthew thanks them and hangs the phone up.

It’s interesting to think that somebody who suffers from phone anxiety could go to a library for this type of assistance. It brought out many commenters, who also said they battle with this issue and would like to have known about this option earlier.

@mhoothewho

Libraries are all about books? Nah, we help with a bunch of problems! A patron asked me to make a phone call for them, and i recorded it (with their permission) #phone #library #help #talesfromthelibrary

♬ It’s Called: Freefall – Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Matthew also was in the comments, saying that not all librarians would offer a similar surface. He does, however, feel that it’s his job to care for his customers and those who visit the library in any way he can.

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