peto (he/him)

There is generally a battery that powers the clock and keeps it running even when there is no external power to the system normally one of the larger coin shaped ones. It’s non-rechargable as it lasts for a long time. It’s being constantly drained but it’s only the smallest trickle.

If you can get to the internals you should be able to find and replace it, it’s pretty obvious when you know to look for it. While you are in there you can check for corrosion/damage to the traces and components, give things a dust. The biggest issue is probably going to be an old battery, 20 years ago they were rather primative and though generally more replaceable than modern builds, getting a replacement might be harder.

And there generally is, most libraries have a catalogue or at least a directory explaining the numbering system at a topic level. Thing is, this sign doesn’t just help people come to the library wanting help with these things. It helps people in the library who are experiencing this and didn’t know they could find a book to help them.

Hell some people don’t even know they need help with these things until someone offers.

At this point I think at least a modest tamper kit should be in a household the same way a screwdriver was previously.