Why I’ll Never Check Out Another Library Book As Long As I Live
Sound dramatic?
Good.
I’m a wee bit fired up. (translation = mad as hell-o)
Right now, in this very moment… I am equal parts heartbroken and livid, at the same time.
I am a longtime book lover and library user. I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. Reading is a luxury and an indulgence for me. A treat, a reward.. even an escape of sorts, I love the pure letting-go as I clear my mind and live however monetarily, within the pages.
I’ll read just about anything and my appetite is voracious once I turn the first page, often reading a book in one sitting even if that means staying up until the wee hours. Book hangover be damned. Closing it before I find out “what happens”, to me, is like turning off a movie before it’s over.
Several weeks ago, while in the market, I picked up The Maze Runner. This was a splurge, as I usually get all my books from the library. When you read them in one sitting, the habit gets very expensive. I started borrowing instead of buying many years ago. Out of curiosity, I tallied up the MSRP over the course of a calendar year once, and what I had checked out was almost the equivalent of our property tax payment.
Anyhow, after I read The Maze Runner, I put in a request for the next book in the series. My local branch didn’t have it but they put in a request to get it from a neighboring library. When I called to find out if it was in, I was told I had a damaged book fee, from a title I had checked out and returned months before.
What? There must be some mistake. I know I didn’t damage a book that was in my care. And I’m thinking; “What kind of damage are we talking about, and why wasn’t I notified?”
I read quietly, mostly in bed. I don’t eat or drink when I read. I don’t read in the tub. My books stay right here, in my home.
I do not damage books.
I do not dog-ear pages.
I treat books with reverence.
I was told that usually they call or a letter is mailed immediately, and that they didn’t know what happened or why I wasn’t notified. (well then, I don’t know what happened to your book!) The thing is, this was weeks and weeks and weeks after I turned it in. How do I know what happened to it after that?! I sure as hell(o) know that I did not damage a book!
Well.. I could swear that up one side and down the other and it really doesn’t mater. As far as they are concerned, I’m guilty. I went in to discuss it today. In an calm, adult manner. While I stuck to this plan, it didn’t get me far, because the woman I dealt with had the warmth and charm of a stone. Her facial expression was as dead as her eyes. My good standing, and never having damaged a book, as well as not being notified and it being a substantial amount of time between me returning the book and this damage being reported, (after I investigated!) did me no good. My questions and comments were met with silence. I was basically having a conversation with myself.
Knowing that I had no recourse… how was I going to prove I did not do it? I couldn’t, and I’m not going to be getting into a battle with the damn library, over $27.00 and I also wanted to avoid being sent to collections over something so trivial, I told her I’d pay the fee. Oh by the way… cash or check only. No debit or credit cards accepted. On a side-note, could we possibly move into THIS century? Thankfully, I had just enough cash on me so that I wouldn’t have to go back. (returning would not be a good idea, because my patience and temper were just holding as it was)
I could feel the tears welling up and my voice crack when I slid her my library card and let her know I would no longer need it, as I’d never be checking out another book again. Not that she could give two figs… we are talking about stone-face lady here. How could I check out library materials after this? My sense of security in knowing I could borrow and return a book was completely shattered. Gone. Would my next returned book be called damaged? What if I got a book and it was “damaged” and I didn’t notice until I got it home? Would I need to check every single page for a mar, mark, stain or tear before I accepted it?
The whole experience is just ruined for me. An experience I loved. Getting a new book was something I really, really looked forward to. Reading was a gift I allowed myself. Something just for me.
I am heartbroken.
This might sound silly to you, but I’m terribly upset and I feel like my character, and my responsible nature received a bad mark over this mater. It’s hard… I’m strong and I’m feisty, and there is a part of me that wants to fight! A lot.
I’m sensitive too though. I’ve touched on this before… but I fought my fight when I had cancer and I just simply do not want to battle over crap like this. Especially when I know there is really nothing that is going to be done. It’s a he-said she-said, and I’m only one person. As it is, this will bother me for a long time. I hope sharing this will help me let it go, by being vocal and venting.
Has anything like this happened to you and made you feel so… upset and vulnerable? I hope not!
Love & hugs, Shannon
.
PS: Oh, and this is the “damage”.
( insert big finger wave here – that was sure as heck not done my ME. )
The last four pages are very, very slightly rippled in a small spot, from something liquid. Two of which, have no text on them!! For all I know, it was damaged IN the book depository after I put it in the slot to return it. The books are slipped into a large slot and all piled up in a huge bin, and it rains here so much. The probability of something getting thrown into the slot in its location, or wet books being returned, and piled on top of books being returned in perfect condition, is highly probable. Honestly, the book was more than likely like this, when I got it!! I wouldn’t have given it a second thought.
Of course, I was delightfully and oh so condescendingly told, “we don’t loan materials in this condition“. Well yeah… ya do. Probably. lol. Right about now is when I wish I had a time machine. I’d love to know the story on this one.
*Note to self. DIY a time machine. Why haven’t I done that already anyhow?
Some people really should not work with the public! And seriously? Tell me this book was the worst “damage” she’d ever seen? You’d think it was… well, I’m not going to elaborate, but I’m sure there are a million worse scenarios of book damage.
UPDATE: as of January 2021 I have not stepped foot in, nor borrowed any materials from a library. And that’s really a sad thing…
UPDATE, on the update (haha): It’s now January 2023, and still holding strong. I buy real books on occasion, but I read on my kindle 99% of the time. Found out you can “check out” digital materials (e-books and audio books) through the library and other sites, and briefly considered getting a card at the town over, but ultimately decided to continue as-is. The bad experience still lingers. So sad.
MicheleStitches says
I had a very similar experience happen to me (a water damaged children’s book.) I even took the matter up with the director of that library, but I had to pay the fee. So, I paid it, even though we didn’t do the damage; but I made it very clear to him that in my mind I was just making a donation to the library. I will also note that this same library accused our family MULTIPLE times of neglecting to return a books. Each time we would have to come in and search the shelves only to find the alleged missing book reshelved! It was they who had neglected to check it in properly on their electronic system. Thankfully, we moved and our new local library is AWESOME!
I have a few thoughts on this matter:
1) That librarian’s attitude was inexcusable. (My hubby is a librarian & he would NEVER act this way to a patron.) I definitely think you should report her to the management. They can not correct inappropriate behavior by their employees if they don’t know about it.
2) On the other hand, I think that a lot of people who work with the general public can get a little jaded from constantly dealing with the portion of the public who will steal or do damage with impunity. They forget that some of us really DO behave respectfully and are willing to take responsibility for our actions when the responsibility is actually ours to take!
3) I hope that you will recover from your experience with that bad apple of a librarian and some day be able to return to your library…they are such wonderful places!
And lastly, I think that your experience is a great reminder to all of us to follow this practice: Always, always ALWAYS thoroughly inspect any materials your family checks out of the library for any sort of damage. If you find anything, report it immediately to the librarian so that they can make note of it before you take it home. This will help insure that you do not get accused of causing the damage.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you do much for sharing your experiences! I’m so glad I shared mine, if only for that fact that I am certainly not alone in what happened to me. Wishing you happy reading!
Laurel Stephens says
This is an outrage! Please send your blog post to your city council and follow up with us on how they respond. If they don’t respond, please write to your local newspaper editorial page. The person you dealt with at the library is a city employee and must be held accountable for her unprofessional actions (waiting so long to address a damaged book and then blaming it on the last person on record to have borrowed it) and her unreasonable behavior towards you. You pay her salary! At the very least, you should be given an apology and a refund from the library, and in my opinion this woman should receive a reprimand letter in her employment folder. Outrageous, and I’m indignant!! I can easily imagine how you feel. The thing is, if we let these things go unanswered, the bullies of the world only get worse. And your librarian is just an old fashioned bully.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you so much, that you roared to my defense warms my heart!! I will report back with any new news!!
Debbie says
Well I have been off the grid with the flu so I am now just catching up. Well your little librarian sure is a Miss
Poisonality. Apparently her librarian skills need to be implemented. Carefully document everything that
happened and put it in a snail mail letter. I find those so effective!! State you want to hear back from the head
honcho with an apology and nothing else with suffice. As our mothers always told us never say never but it will
all get better. Your tax dollars go to the library system, so just utilize another branch in a friendlier environment.
I am sure this is not a new response as I have not read all of the feed back. Now I have to go and look at what
you have cooking for Valentine’s day.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you so much for your support and the great advice :)))
Evie says
I had the same thing happen to me after years of using the local library. I too was met with the same type of response as you got. I got no where. I paid the fine ($30.00) because I didn’t want to be blocked from using the library but that did not calm my temper. Eventually I convinced my self that the money was a “contribution” but I don’t enjoy the library like I used to and I don’t go as frequently..
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Exactly. It really changes things once that happens (:
Lost Roses says
This sort of thing makes my blood boil and unfortunately is more and more common in everyday dealings with retail, public servants, and consumer help phone calls. People don’t know their jobs, or, are so invested in themselves as no-nothing experts that everyday civility is cast aside.
When the director of your library finds out about this there will be consequences. I personally think it’s the duty of each one of us who have been treated abominably to call that person to task, and you can do this by printing out your post and mailing it to the director, along with your contact information.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Maybe I should just print and mail. It would save a lot of time right?
I’m tempted to do so but think I will stick the the facts, I did let a little name calling sneak in with the stone faced comment.
I should be un biased. Thanks for your support!!!!
Pati says
I am so sorry to hear what happened to you! I think it is important that her superiors at the library be informed of this woman’s behavior. No staff improvements can be made if they are unaware of her actions. And since you, and perhaps other people, pay her in cash, what if she is keeping the money? I know as an employer myself, I am always very grateful to clients who let me know directly when they have been mistreated by an employee, as I cannot be everywhere at once to monitor behavior. I wonder how many others have had this happen and said nothing? This library needs to upgrade it’s systems. Their perfect books are there to be read, not to sit and look pretty. Good luck.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I did get a receipt. So I’m covered. Thank you.
I do intend to report the mater.
I agree with many who have written, it’s the right thing to do.
Laura says
I am so sorry about your bad experience. People like that give our profession a bad name. Our job is to SERVE our patrons, not chastise or humiliate! Our goal is to get people reading and we love it when patrons come back for more. We expect our books to show some wear and tear….that means we made a good purchase! We aren’t a bookstore where customers expect the books to be in pristine shape, we are providing a service to the public. When you returned your card and she made no comment, she failed at her purpose for being there-to serve you, the public. I agree with the above comments of reporting this to a higher authority. There may be a great librarian out there who needs that job!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Sadly you can usually find a bad apple in anything.
I don’t think all are bad by any means.
I’m not a library or librarian hater.
Just decided to distance myself from this happening again.
I think there is definitely one out there that deserves her job. lol!
Shannon says
This shouldn’t have happened to you and I’m sorry. That damage could have happened in the book drop with the weather you have there! I hate confrontation, but I think you need to go beyond the stone-face lady. I really do.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I know. Everyone is right, I should. At least pen a letter… just not wanting to deal with it frankly. The more days go by, the more I’d like to just forget it! I know I’ll get all worked up again. Soon.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
A bit of injustice I think…and isn’t it always the case that people who always take care of things as they take pride and respect things that belong to others, somehow get the raw end of the deal….You have so beautifully written this post and your message should be taken to higher authorities…with your track record at the library, they should know that you are a responsible person….This situation would have made me both angry and hurt. My son is an avid reader, reading at least one book a week…he has gotten away from buying books and the libraries and love his Kindle…for me, the only time I get to read is when I am traveling…at home, there is always so much to do!!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
There is always so much to do and a book is actually a special treat these days. I’ll address it, soon… just not relishing it. My hubby wants to get me a Kindle. We’ll see. I don’t like to spend money on myself.
Donna Marie says
I would go into the library and talk to the head librarian and then follow-up with a letter to the board of directors. This one person should not deny you the privilege of reading, as it is such a wonderful thing!!!
Happy New Year, I hope you get justice!!!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you Donna Marie. (:
Barb says
Shannon, I’m SOOOOO SORRY for your experience! I was a librarian, and hate to think of situations such as this. PLEASE reconsider going in and talking to the Director. After all, the PUBLIC LIBRARY is ’employed’ by the PUBLIC, and more than likely, a Director will lean over backward to right a wrong.
You are so sweet, I think a face to face meeting is needed. I think you should print out THIS POST, and just hand it to the Director to read. Hopefully, the person who was so rude will be taken care of.
I went to one of our thrift shops today, and bought 64 books! On Tuesdays, they are 5 cent each. At Goodwill, they are often 10 cents each.
Also, once a year our library has a book sale. They have ‘preview’ night, where you pay $10 and have first pick….the next day, hardbacks are $1.50, second day they are charged by the YARD, and the last day, EVERY SINGLE BOOK LEFT is FREE!!! And there are always hundreds and hundreds that are thrown away at the end of the sale. Check to see if your library has such a sale.
Buck up, girl! You were in the right….now power on through and have justice done, for yourself as well as the library!!!!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you for your kind words and advice Barb. I too will begin thrifting for more that home decor and such, and take the time to browse book as well now. I have supported the library sales in the past buy donating, and purchasing. I will probably continue, just not at this branch. Thanks again! Shannon
Barbara Neubeck says
Shannon, I’m so sorry that this happened to you…. it’s so upsetting to be blamed for something you didn’t do……….especially something that you know you treat properly ….
I’d think seriously about writing a letter to the manager of the Library explaining the situation and the way you were treated. Somebody needs to know… This may have happened before……
Hugs …. Barb xxxxxxx
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Y’all are right. I’m sure it’s happened to more than just me. If damage can be overlooked, or incurred after return.. but blamed on the next person, that is not good, fair or right.
Joy says
That woman is a public servant paid with your tax money. Letter to the newspaper? Chat with a county commissioner? You cannot let this go if it matters to you. It’s almost certain you are not alone. I think it’s quite likely she is guilty of more than officious behavior.
If you download the Kindle app you can get innumerable free books. They have new ones every day. You don’t even need the Kindle. Good luck.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
When I gather my composure, I will do that. I think many of you are right, it needs to be addressed. Thanks for the Kindle tip!!