Buzz
Borrowing books from your local library is a fantastic and affordable way to read without spending money. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the proper way to take care of these books. This article will guide you through how to keep library books in good condition, from the moment you borrow them until you return them.
Steps
Before borrowing a book, inspect it carefully. Although minor wear and tear is expected, skim through the pages to check for any tears, missing pages, large stains, or scribbles in pencil or ink. Additionally, examine the book's cover for any damage. If you find any issues, report them to the librarian so you won’t be held responsible for any existing damage.
If it’s raining, place the book in a waterproof bag before leaving the library. If you don’t have one, ask the librarian. Most libraries provide waterproof bags for this very purpose.
As soon as you bring the book home, place it neatly on a bookshelf or study desk. Avoid leaving it carelessly on a sofa, armchair, or bed, as someone might accidentally sit on it and damage the cover or pages if it’s open. Also, do not place the book in areas where it could get wet, such as near a bathtub, etc.
Keep track of your book borrow dates. Mark the return date as soon as you borrow the book. Many libraries may also offer free reminders via email or phone when the due date is approaching. Be sure to register for this service if it’s available to you.
- Find out what options are available for renewing books via phone or online. If a book is eligible for renewal, you can do so without leaving home.
Do not write in library books, even with a pencil. Any marks you make may remain for a long time. If you need to highlight something for later reference, use bookmarks or removable sticky notes, or page markers (and remember to remove them before returning the book). If the book contains forms or questionnaires (common in self-help books) that need to be filled in, make a copy of that page and write on the copy.
- Think about the last time you borrowed a book with excessive highlighting, underlining, or other markings. Be considerate of others who borrow the same book. It’s uncomfortable to read a book that has been overly “personalized” by someone else.
If you plan to read the book outdoors, make sure to bring it back inside afterward. If it rains or the book is lost, you will be required to pay for a replacement.
Use bookmarks or paper clips. Avoid folding the corners of pages, and don’t use pencils or large items to mark pages; this could bend the book’s cover or distort the pages. Also, don’t mark your reading page by over-opening the book, and never lay the book face down while open on a surface, as it could damage the spine. Any small piece of paper (such as an envelope) can serve as a bookmark, or you can make your own bookmark from any material you like.
Always keep an eye on your books. Store them at home or in your book bag. If you're worried about losing a library book, choose a designated place to keep it, and always return it there.
Read and enjoy the book.
Return library books on time. If you return the book by the due date, or even earlier, you can avoid late fees or other charges.
Tips
- Always remember that libraries lend you books for free. You should repay this kindness by taking good care of the books.
- If you're taking library books out of the house, whether in a purse, bag, or backpack, protect them by placing them in a waterproof bag to avoid wear, tear, or potential water damage from rain or snow.
- Avoid reading library books or borrowed books in bathrooms or near pools. They are prone to falling into water and getting ruined, and remember, you don’t own the book—you’ll be charged the full retail price (and sometimes additional handling fees) to replace it.
- Be cautious when lending your library books to friends or even family members. If they lose or damage it for any reason, you'll have to pay for it. You might want to remind them that they are responsible for the replacement costs if something happens to the book.
- Keep your books away from pets and young children (unless supervised). Pets might chew on books, and children could scribble or tear pages if left unsupervised.
- If you find any damage to a book while you have it, report it immediately, even if you didn’t cause it. Not all damage is visible from the outside, and reporting it helps the library maintain its collection in good condition.
- If you feel the need to read while soaking in the tub or near water, opt for cheap paperback books or magazines that you own.
- Don’t leave library books open near windows or glass. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may fade the text and images over time.
- If a book is damaged, don’t attempt to repair it yourself. Return it to the library as soon as possible, explain what happened politely, and they will take care of it.
- Think carefully before taking library books on a trip. Are you sure you can return them on time and in good condition? If you're unsure, consider bringing along a cheap paperback as a replacement.
- Don’t eat or drink while reading library books. Stains or spills are difficult to clean, and you may be required to pay for the book's replacement.
- Be careful when photocopying pages from a library book. Avoid bending or pressing down on the book's spine, and don’t fold the pages excessively.
- Always return books, even if they’re overdue. Libraries typically charge late fees to encourage people to return books on time, not to make money. On the other hand, lost materials cost far more to replace. Your library would rather have a late return than not receive the book at all.
- If you're struggling to maintain library books or if your books are overdue, you might want to consider eBooks. You can download classic, public domain books for free, and many libraries offer digital books that you can borrow online.
Warning
- Don’t attempt to repair a damaged book yourself. For example, if you find a torn page, report it. Don’t try to fix it with glue. Libraries have better materials and methods for repairing books. Attempting to repair a book yourself will not please the library.
- If, for any reason, your books are misplaced, damaged, or lost, you may be required to pay a replacement fee. However, libraries understand that books eventually reach the point where they need to be "retired," so enjoy your books, pay for any accidental damage you may have caused, and report any issues to the librarian when you return the book.
- Be extra careful to keep books dry. Even if dried, they can develop mold, which may spread to other books. Libraries are aware of this and will not accept wet books for this reason. Instead, you will be required to pay for a replacement, and the book will be cataloged and reintroduced to circulation.
