... my first library job was in the university library when I was studying for my BA - Music & Fine Art Collection - the BEST student job, gorgeous books to browse through, spiffy students studying at the tables nearby... I had to cover those big, beautiful art books too with this very expensive plastic protective stuff. I loved doing it - something my kids will never believe when they see the way I shriek at the darn coverseal for their school books!
Anyway, I ended up going on to do a Masters in Library Studies and learned how to Dewey. But here's the thing, I am SHOCKING with overdue books. Just shocking. I had one particular book out for YEARS. (Accidentally I might add, we moved house). Yes, I reckon I've paid for a fair number of new books for the collection what with the fines I racked up. And so I should, overdue books is BAD FORM.
As is talking in the library, which I may be guilty of at times too...
I've tried to get better, honest - my fine yesterday was only a dollar which is the best I've been in ages. And in the modern public library at least, a little chitter chatter is acceptable. While the big library is still closed due to earthquake damage, our local branch round-the-corner has reopened and is sooooooooooo busy it's wonderful.
There is nothing like browsing the non-fiction shelves when I'm in brainstorming mode (the point where I'm currently at). Right now I have an Encyclopedia of Mythology, a dreams interpretation book, a graphic designers at home' book and a 'how to be glamourous' book by the desk. (My new heroine is going to be VERY glam - or at least, appear to be!). And they're not enough, I'm going back today for more of a wander between the shelves, choosing books by their cover like you're not supposed to do. AND I'n going to return some of the books I got yesterday already - ha! No more fines this week!!!
Do you always return on time???
9 comments:
I'm a bit shocking too and I've also worked in a library - best job ever! And you won't believe it, but I'm a HUGE book covering fan too - but not the sticky school book stuff!
Hi Natalie - I never return on time and I'm really personally sorry about that lol. Re the coverseal my kids came home with their stationery pack and it advertised a product called ezcover, website of the same name. It appears you just slip the school book in like the old plastic covers on old library books, no more cutting, folding, bubbles haha... I havent looked into it but it caught my eye :)
I'm sticky school book covering at the moment Rach!
Rash - I got that flyer too - but we had a look online and the kids didn't like any of the designs, PLUS they were quite pricey and I'm unconvinced that they'd last more than one year... in GOOD NEWS one of the kids' teachers has requested the books NOT be covered!!!!!
Oh that's good to know! I hadnt gotten around to looking at the website. I wont worry about it now :))) I have a friend who can cover books and it looks like a complete art. She told me that because her eldest is one year out of high school, she's had quiiiiiite a few years practice :)
I am fairly horrifying about book return times. A little less horrifying now that I can check my library account online, but they're never less than a week overdue. I am so bad about it I come in announcing to anyone I pass... I have fines. I'm here. I'VE BEEN BAD, I HAVE FINES. SORRY. HAVE SOME MONEY... (can I still check out? I'll be better next time, I swear.)
Tash - you should check them out - don't just take my word for it!!!! I've coversealed 5 books so far, only like 30 to go!!!! I'm gonna get a LOT of practice in over the next decade or so!!!
Amalie - I'm always apologising too - and promising to do better... and yet I never do!!!! LOL...
My local library (Dunedin) has to be the best library in NZ with its books and mags to choose from - all thanks to me, I fear, with the fines I've paid off (so far!).
There are three or four books that I must by now actually OWN with fines I've had to pay each time I've had them issued.
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