One of my favorite things that I get asked is: how do you spell _____?
Usually it is children doing the asking. When they are using a computer they often have to spell words they don't know and they just walk right up and ask me to spell it for them. I learned quickly that I have to write it down because they will forget before they get back to the computer.
Today I have already been asked how to spell "avenue" "airport" and "nickelodeon".
Once in a while an adult will ask for much the same reason. I am fine with it, some librarians are not so much (There's a dictionary over there if you want to look it up--yeesh). We're supposed to look up information before giving it to a customer, but I am an awesome speller and I never-ever do. (Ssh! Don't tell on me....)
I had a man ask me today if I knew how to spell dysentery. I did. I also showed him how Google will help you if you spell something wrong. That makes me 2x the help and 2x the fun!
Strangely, I find it odd that people assume that librarians can spell. I think that reading increases your likelihood of being an excellent speller, provided you have adequate retention, so it seems like it should follow; but I know plenty that can't spell worth a tinker's dam.
Lucky for them, when I am on duty there are no worries. I get a kick out of being asked to spell. My favorite questions indeed.
***Update*** Hee-hee! I posted this originally at 1:32pm. It is now 1:48 pm and I was just asked by a young man: do you know how to spell "blast"? Today is a very spelling-centric day, it would seem.
children
