I don't like reading...

This happened to me only last week.

The library was quite quiet and there were only a few children around. It was the end of the day and I didn't want to start any big tasks. As the end of term was fast approaching I thought I would just remind a couple of them and see if I could get them to take some books out. Here's how the conversation went:

Me: So, have you got your books sorted for the end of term then? (in a light friendly tone, it's good not to sound too desperate to improve the circulation figures at this point. Children can be soo fickle).
Child 1: I don't like reading.
[A-ha, a challenge]
Child 2 with a horrified gasp: You can't say that to the Librarian!
Child 1: It's OK, She's a nice Librarian. [She turns to a secretly delighted me]. I only like Jacqueline Wilson books and I've read all the ones you have here.
[Little does she know and why are Librarians always supposed to be scary?]
Me: Actually I've just bought some new teenage Jacqueline Wilson books, have you read those?
Child 1: No...
Child 2 runs eagerly to the far side of the library to pick a couple of the new ones up to show her. I walk away. I find the secret is to walk away at this point. It won't mean anything if she feels pressurised into borrowing it. Anyway half an hour later, she takes one of the books out!

Success -

Librarians 2, Children 0
(Keep an eye out for the running total!).