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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not fill the form out for DD to have her own library card? (trivial)

222 replies

ASorcererIsAWizardSquared · 30/04/2015 22:49

DD (6yo, yr1) is going to the library with her class in a week, we've been sent home a form for them to have their own library card and been asked to fill it out and send it back in time for the trip.

I dont want to fill it out. I dont see the point in a 6yo having their own library card.

I have a library card, as does DH, we can take out up to 16 books on them at a time, the chances of DD ever visiting the library without me or DH are Zero.

AIBU to sent the permission slip back with the words "she doesn't need her own card, both me and her dad have one" on the card application?

OP posts:
anothernumberone · 01/05/2015 10:25

This is so trivial I don't think I would need the input of others to make a decision if it were my child I would have just filled out the bloody form but in saying that it is also so trivial that there is no need to be chastising the OP, it really does not warrant that.

JohnCusacksWife · 01/05/2015 10:26

So don't fill out the form if you think you're right. You do sound a right misery though!

crymeariverwoo · 01/05/2015 10:27

op I really hope this is a joke! of course she should be able to have her own library card! it is a good learning lesson for her. I am a nanny and will often let the children pay the shop keeper etc. .. just because they never go to the shop on their own, doesn't mean they shouldn't be allowed to feel grown up by learning to pay. They also have their own library cards. it's a good way to learn about taking books back in time etc...
I am not going to the extreme that some posters have gone, but I really think yabu. and if you can't accept that or see it then you really shouldn't have posted here.

DoJo · 01/05/2015 10:44

If getting a library card is such a thrill why do people get them for newborns?

Because it's an automatic process when you use the all-in-one registration process available in my area. It's the 'having' it that my son likes - it has his name on it and I am not allowed to use it, which increases the appeal!

PannaDoll · 01/05/2015 10:45

If getting a library card is such a thrill why do people get them for newborns?

I'm wondering this too but it seems to have something to do with the fines/charges.

Ems1812 · 01/05/2015 10:45

What on earth is a penis beaker?

Also OP, YABU. It's a library card not a gun license. Your DD would feel pretty bloody rotten (& embarrassed) if all of her classmates had their own card & she had to wait for her mum to check her books out. Get over yourself, yes she may lose it but she'll also probably lose lots of other things she's given over the years, that's life!

PannaDoll · 01/05/2015 10:46

Anyway, I'm waiting for OP to come back and tell us her daughter simply didn't want one after she asked her so it was all a big fuss over nothing Grin.

longestlurkerever · 01/05/2015 10:48

At our library children's books taken out on a children's card don't accrue fines.

In any case, surely it's all about the children being given a membership card to take away, so they feel part of the library. They might even bring some books home with it and get to use the self-service machine with it. I can't see why you would object.

Maryz · 01/05/2015 10:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TerryTheGreenHorse · 01/05/2015 10:49

Getting books out for the baby to get no fines?

Don't they raise an eyebrow when little Johnny takes out a Jilly Cooper?

I mean I am a reader don't get me wrong but what do you do, get a book out and place it next to the baby?

TheCraicDealer · 01/05/2015 10:51

Getting my library card at the age of six is one of my earliest memories. I was proper chuffed! For that reason alone you ABVU.

threenotfour · 01/05/2015 10:52

Your daughter will need her own library card to take part in the summer reading challenge. This is a nationwide scheme which is lots of fun and the children get stickers and small prizes and a medal if they complete the challenge of reading six library books across the summer. Our local library also offer a prize of a free dvd rental if the children complete 12 books which is actually quite easy with a yr 1 child.
Also why single your daughter out from a fun part of a school visit. She will feel silly and it's just not necessary. If you don't want her to use it then don't use it next time you go to the library, use your own. Don't stop her joining in with her friends.

TerryTheGreenHorse · 01/05/2015 10:52

Ok on that note everyone who gets a newborn one is just as bad.

You memory robbing bastards!

PerspicaciaTick · 01/05/2015 10:54

I think people usually get baby books out for babies. Then the adult reads the book to the baby. Babies like looking at strong images and hearing the rhythms of people talking. They would probably enjoy listening to Jilly Cooper too but the library wouldn't let you borrow it on a child ticket spoilsports

TerryTheGreenHorse · 01/05/2015 10:59

That's harsh. Wise to the fine dodgers then!

Whycantibetangy · 01/05/2015 11:02

Our library cards are dual purpose and get us free entry into most of the local museums, swimming etc. The childrens library has its own electronic checking out system so they can manage their own book account, no fines, no reservation fee, computer logins with child controls and it enables them to join in with the reading challenges, collect stickers, bookmarks etc depending on how many books they have read.
If you cant be faffed with having one extra small piece of plastic in your purse then thats your issue.
Biscuit

squoosh · 01/05/2015 11:10

What a killjoy you sound and what a weird thing to object to. I remember being so excited to have my own library card.

Fill in the form and stop being such a grump.

Original poster
ASorcererIsAWizardSquared · 01/05/2015 11:10

lol.

i filled the form out, judging by the way it was set up to fill out they're not allowed a library card as a child here unless they have a guarantor parent/guardian who already has a library card, so there may well be some disappointed children in the class anyway. Confused

Our cards dont get us extras, just entry/use of the libraries within the council authority, so we only need one card for about 10 different library's apparently.

The local authority has its own membership card which gets us discounts on the swimming/gym and other stuff, but thats a family one not a personal one.

OP posts:
TwoOddSocks · 01/05/2015 11:20

I mean I am a reader don't get me wrong but what do you do, get a book out and place it next to the baby?

Surely you just show them the pictures, they like to see the colours and turn the pages. Reading the words helps them get used to language and reading for when they're older too.

TerryTheGreenHorse · 01/05/2015 12:57

We are talking newborns here.

Newborns.

DoJo · 01/05/2015 12:59

Newborns can see bold pictures in contrasting colours - if you can't or don't wish to spend money on books with pictures like these which you probably won't use for long, then borrowing them from the library seems like a good idea.

longestlurkerever · 01/05/2015 13:02

And they are calmed by your voice - I found reading books or singing felt less silly than random chatting. Some of the library ones were in a bit too minging a state for small babies but they gave me a bookstart pack with some new books in it too.

Abraid2 · 01/05/2015 13:04

I can't see why you would object to this.

tippytappywriter · 01/05/2015 13:14

The existence of libraries and access to the wealth of knowledge they give everyone is immensely important. At a time when libraries are being closed membership numbers are very important.

Silvercatowner · 01/05/2015 16:19

Yes, OP, you will be 'that' parent. Sorry, but you will.

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