Free No Pirates Allowed! Said Library Lou by Rhonda Gowler Greene

A t Seabreezy Library, things were just right. Book lovers were cozy. The sky was blue-bright when—Shiver me timbers!—through Seabreezy’s door stormed Big Pirate Pete and his parrot, Igor!
    â€œWhar be the treasure?! X marks this spot! We’ll dig up the loot an’ steal all that ye’ve got!”
    SQUAW-AW-AWK! Igor squawked as Pete muttered an “ Arrgh !” Then Big Pete let loose with a scary— “SO THAR!”

    Chills ran down spines as those readers all shook. They hid behind bookshelves, but ventured a look. And what was that odor? Disgusting! Phhhew! But no one at Seabreezy knew what to do.
    Except… Library Lou who dashed over to see what all the unruly commotion could be. “May I help you?” Lou asked with a pinch of a frown. “This is a library. Shhh ! Quiet down!”

    â€œARRGH!”
    Big Pete thundered.
    â€œDon’t waste me day! Walk the plank, saucy lass, or show me the way!”
    At Seabreezy then, you could hear a pin drop. All that tough, ruffian talk and squawk stopped for Library Lou looked Pete right in the eye as Pete stood his ground with a snarl. Oh, my!
    Minute by minute, their tempers both flared as they stood head to head and doggedly dared!

    â€œUnless you be quiet…and listen up too… NO PIRATES ALLOWED! ” said Library Lou.
    SQUAWK ! Igor squawked with a blow-me-down glare. Then Library Lou boldly added—“ So there !” ARRGH!

    â€œNow—where is the treasure map?” Lou asked. “…ahhh, yes.”
    â€œThe treasure is here,” she said. “Just as I guessed.”
    â€œI’ll help you find it. But first I must ask of you and your matey a wee smallish task—Go home. Take a bath. Change your underwear too. Then come back tomorrow,” said Library Lou.
    ARRGH!
    A landlubber tellin’ Big Pete what to do ?! But—she said thar be treasure. Sink me! ’Tis true!

    So… that night Pete scrubbed thirteen layers of dirt and decided clean underwear ( sniff! ) couldn’t hurt. Squawking Igor got a good scrubbin’ too! Swwwish through the sea sailed their funky P.U.
    Then later they dreamed… of a treasure or two.

    SQUAWK-AWAWK!
    The next day they burst through that library door with a fresh, soapy scent, but—as LOUD as before!
    â€œMateys! Your manners!” said Library Lou “Now, come. Follow me. We have much work to do.”
    Aye !
    Big Pete grabbed his picks and his ax and his shovel. But Library Lou said, “Don’t go to the trouble.” “But, Lassie! The loot!” Lou said, “Not yet…

    First—say Ahoy to these letters! This fine alphabet!”
    â€œLetters?” Pete scowled. “Thar be more than X ?” Lou spread them all out. Big Pete looked perplexed. “Blimey!” cried Big Pete. “A code! Of old! A secret one—Aye!—to find the sweet gold!”

    Library Lou grinned a witty-wise grin. “Brilliant!” she cried. “Now time to begin!” “Here they are. All of them. Pleased to meet you. Isn’t this fun?!” said Library Lou.
    â€œFun?” Big Pete sneered. “It be torture no less! Me’d rather be kissin’ a fat treasure chest!”
    So many letters! Big Pete got confused!
    W ’s? H ’s? S ’s? And Q ’s?
    Some she called vowels— A ’s, E ’s, I ’s, O ’s, and U ’s?
    Soon Lou took some letters and mixed them about. “Look!” exclaimed Lou. “ Words to sound out! Now here is a stack you may take home with you. Then come back tomorrow,” said Library Lou.

    Up on the poop deck, Pete practiced that night. He practiced each word till he got each word right. “Igor,” he bragged, “we’ll hold riches untold! ’Cause us? We be hard-workin’ gluttons fer gold!”
    Yes, day after day after day, he went back. And night after night, Lou piled high a new