I used to work in a public library in America, at the circulation desk, checking books out and returning items, issuing new library cards, collecting fine payments, and answering people’s questions.

During those couple of years I became a familiar face in the library, and would sometimes get recognized by members of the community outside of work.

People would say hello in the supermarket, for example.

Nothing too awkward, but I wouldn’t always recognize them as library users.

Well, there was this one time I got caught naked.

Not at work, I hasten to add, surely that would be illegal?

No, I was minding my own business, taking a shower at the gym after a workout, when a guy walked over, looked me up and down, and asked Do you work in the library? 

I suppose I could have lied, and said something like Not I, sir, surely you are mistaken.

But instead I glanced at him, said Yes, yes I do, and carried on with my shower as he walked away.