First rays of the sun

Volunteered at the library this morning. There had been a reading event at the school where the children had been given bookmarks. If they turned them in at the library, they would be allowed to choose a free prize. I didn't know any of this so was a little surprised when the first parent and child appeared and the small girl handed me a bookmark. Figured it out pretty quickly and a good thing. Had lots of children and parents coming in to get their gifts. Two brothers - about 8 and 12 came in. The 12 year old asked to use the computer. Children can't sign on unless they have a signature card from their parents. He had one on file so no problem. His smaller brother looked around for awhile and then asked me if he could get on the computer. He didn't have a card on file so I explained I couldn't allow him on. He then asked why I had a basket of kid's toys behind me. I queried if he had received a special bookmark from school that he could turn it in and receive a prize. No, he didn't have a bookmark nor did he know about the reading event. OK, what would you do? What I did was give him a bookmark. A smile came across his lips and he handed it back to me. I brought over the basket and let him pick out a toy. He then contentedly went over to sit by his brother until their parents came to pick them up. Like I've admitted before, I just don't have it in me to be a good stern librarian.