[Somehow, the query takes him by surprise. It's not that people haven't wanted to be involved in the Library- himself included, seeing as he didn't build it- but he's much more used to having things asked of him versus people offering their aid. He blinks twice, trying to shift tracks in his brain from 'answering a technical question' to 'answering a personal one', which is somehow both easier and harder simultaneously.]

Oh, I-- I appreciate that. I mean, that is to say yes, I would enjoy any assistance you care to give. Frankly I don't know much about keeping books, just knowledge and organization-- if you know anything about restoring or protecting them from harm, it would be most appreciated.

[He pauses for a moment there though, something occurring to him through the haze of grief he's still trying to shake off, and quickly adds--]

What, uhm, what made you want to offer this, exactly?

[God forbid someone's taking blatant pity on him and feeling guilted into helping.]