Dialogo Inlgés

Librarian: Excuse me...

Student: Yes?

L: I'm sorry, but you can't drink coffee in here.

S: Huh? Wha...why?

L: I'm sorry, but food and beverages can't be consumed in the university libraries at any time.

S: Why? It's not hurting anybody...

L: No, but it might hurt the books. There's always the danger that you might spill it on library materials.

S: But-- I'm not using any library materials. I'm just uh, studying my class notes and uh, writing this

paper. How could I spill coffee on any library stuff?

L: Another student could easily sit down here and start working next to you. Or someone passing could

just knock your cup over onto themselves. Accidents do happen.

S: But I'm being careful. I'll set it over here, see? And keep to myself-- and not use any "library

materials", OK?

L: Look, many people here are using our books and other materials. We cannot look after each person all

the time. That's why we just don't permit drinks in the library. I think you'll have to take it outside.

S: But look-- it's got a screw cap on it. With just this little drinking slot-- and the slot has a cover, too,

see? I couldn't possibly spill this if I tried. Watch this!-- (The student knocks over the coffee container.)

L: OH! Oh, for heaven's-- Don't do that again! Look. I don't have time to discuss this with you any

further. You'll have to take your coffee outside.

S (raising his voice): OK, OK. So, I guess we live in a police state on this campus, eh? Geez! And I

thought universities were supposed to be bastions of liberalism! Guess not!!...

L: Please keep your voice down. Others are trying to study. This is a simple rule to make sure that the

library collections are safety.

S: But if I'm not doing anything--

L: I know. But Accidents happen.

S: OK. You win. So. Where can I go and finish my coffee in peace?

...