Due to popular demand (like two people asked), I am going to begin sharing why I don't use the library. It is a bit unusual for someone who loves books as much as I do.
I want to start by saying I absolutely have a very high and positive regard for the library. I have fantastic memories of the library of my childhood (you really should click on that link, it's a fantastic building)..story hour, getting lost in the stacks, combing over the books looking for one I hadn't read, having the librarians beam at me when I brought up a stack of 10 books to check out. So I guess I should put it this way...
dear library, it's not you, it's me.
Point number one. This week I lost my debit card. Yes, my debit card. The one that connects me to all of my money. I have no idea where it went. I tore my life apart looking for it, then accepted defeat and had it reissued. (once I lost a paycheck and had to have it reissued. I found it a year later tucked in a book on my shelf as a bookmark...oops)
When I had a library card I was extremely talented at losing that as well. Over. And Over. The library was somewhat gracious the first time. Then they wanted to charge me a replacement fee for future cards. How many replacement fees would I have to pay? And friends, not just for library cards. Because if I lose library cards, I can also lose books. And have to pay replacement fees for those as well. That's a little more expensive.
So there you have it, the tip of the iceberg of why I don't use the library. Stay tuned for further revelation....
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Why I Don't Use the Library Pt. 1
Posted by Amy at 12:00 AM
Labels: Why I Don't Use the Library
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12 comments:
I didn't ask why you didn't use the library but I did wonder. I don't use the library either and it's because most of the time our local library doesn't have the book I'm looking for so I've given up even checking the library.
So, what's the alternative? Do you have a good used book store in your town? Do you buy off eBay, or do you shell out the cash for new books?
I can't justify the cost of new books, but I'm also frustrated with my library system not having books (even when the computer catalog says it's in). I'm trying to ask around to see what I can find in used books.
You know by all my posts that I am a library groupie. :) However, I understand the library isn't for everyone. And if I didn't have the personality I did, I would have told the library to bite me long ago.
When they changed over to a computerized system, the books I brought back didn't scan correctly. Now I have to double check to make sure they are doing their job. It's not exactly the most friendly-user system. Because you can say "I returned it." and they won't believe you. You have to prove it. So when people say they refuse to use the library, I do understand. I'm just anal enough to hang in there. :)
BTW - I knew I saw a button for The Friendly Book Nook. It's here! :)
Sarah! Check out my post on my favorite ways to find cheap books. Admittedly for me it's a bit easier because I read across a wide range of genres. Also, I will shell out the cash for new books of author I love in order to support them. Do you have a good thrift store in town?
I have actually been thinking about volunteering at our library to teach English. I'm not against libraries...I love them! I just know I can't use them. ;)
I used to lose my library card all the time too! I think I never went back because I didn't want to pay the replacement fee :-/
Now they have those cards that go on your key-chain :-)
On another note, I'm thinking we should all send you some bookmarks...
I understand this. I'm facing gigantic fees and 3 different libraries right now. I just can't remember to return the books (even after the nice email reminders).
So basically what you're saying is: You like the library, but since you'll be spending the same amount of money anyways you might as well just buy the books and save yourself and the library the headache? :)
Ricardo..I didn't know they had those now! I love those keychain cards.
Matthew..ouch! Yes point number two will be about the fines. ;)
Krista...You got it!
Really? I hate those dang key-chain cards. Especially the one's for debit cards. I wouldn't trust having one of those for my debit card! Then again, I suppose the one I use for the local library is convenient...
Ricado...true. I wouldn't want my debit card on my keychain, but the library card! I use those for Hallmark and CVS.
I am one that uses my library as much as possible but then my family tells me that I am more than a little uptight...LOL.
However, I had a friend who had books that were so late she could have owned them cheaper so I understand what you are saying. It's not for everyone.
I enjoy your blog a lot. :)
Amy(The Sleepy Reader)
Thanks for explaining. I was really curious.
I have paid my share of late fees to the library. And yes it is embarrassing, annoying and frustrating, BUT I have to say that I look at it as a charitable donation. Now please don't flame me, because I know that it really isn't a charitable donation. I just feel like it is my way to support such a wonderful system. I'm way to cheap to buy books, plus I don't have space in my house for them.
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