Yeah, that "fancy thermometer that learns your habits" is a good way to put it. I read an article once about how tech writers call this "the grandma test"... if your explanation wouldn't make sense to your grandma, you need to try again. They said to start with what the thing does, not how it works.

But what if they just call your bluff?

Got to disagree with your friend's idea of a quiet library being the spot. The vibe is all wrong for talking. I've met a few people at my library, but only because they run specific events like a weekly writer's group or a tech talk. You have to look for those posted signs or check their event calendar online. The people just working at tables are almost never there to socialize.