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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think the library is a bit wrong here?

17 replies

Natsku · 11/02/2016 11:09

My local library has just made me pay for a book (full price) for water damage reasons (which must have occurred in the drop-off box as I returned the book when the library wasn't open but I know it can be a risk putting a book in there) but I honestly don't think the book looks that bad. I don't see why they can't still keep it in circulation, I've seen books in the library in much worse condition than this.

To think the library is a bit wrong here?
To think the library is a bit wrong here?
OP posts:
ThroughThickAndThin01 · 11/02/2016 11:12

Hope it was worth it. Bit expensive if you only read the first page Grin.

It doesn't look that bad to me.

Chattymummyhere · 11/02/2016 11:19

They let you keep the book right? Can't expect you to pay full price and keep the book.

Original poster
Natsku · 11/02/2016 11:21

Yeah they let me keep it. The librarian asked "So would you like to take the book then?" Yes I bloody well would after paying for it! But I'd much rather not pay for it and have them put it back on the shelf for others to read.

OP posts:
ZiggyFartdust · 11/02/2016 11:23

If the water damage occurred in their drop box they are liable for the damage, not you. The facility should be protected against rain, thats the whole point of having a drop box.
I wouldn't have paid for the book at all.

scarfaceace · 11/02/2016 11:28

Was there a sign that said you use the box at your own risk, or something along those lines?

Namechange02 · 11/02/2016 11:29

If the water damage occurred in their drop box they are liable for the damage, not you. The facility should be protected against rain, thats the whole point of having a drop box.
I wouldn't have paid for the book at all.

This. Why did you pay? Cheeky library assistant! Either their drop box is waterproof or it isn't and they stop people using it. I know they don't much like drop boxes but I always use them because I can go when I like and not just when they are open.

I'd go back and ask for my money back.

Namechange02 · 11/02/2016 11:30

Was there a sign that said you use the box at your own risk, or something along those lines

Query if such signs are enforceable, despite their frequency of use.

gleam · 11/02/2016 11:31

Take a photo of the book just before you use the dropbox next time.

In fact I'd ask them to check that it wasn't full of water.

Original poster
Natsku · 11/02/2016 11:36

There was a sign saying books are left at your own risk, though I even put it inside a bag (not fully waterproof though) so must have been really wet in there. I accept that it was my risk putting it in the box, just don't accept that the damage is bad enough for them to have to take the book out of circulation.

Didn't dare not pay - what if they took my library card away?! I neeeed library books

OP posts:
gandalf456 · 11/02/2016 11:39

I think it's cheeky, too. It's up to them to keep the box usable. How are you to know? What if the book had been damaged while you were in
the library through no fault of your own? Would they have charged you then? Of course not!

GruntledOne · 11/02/2016 11:42

It looks like a number of my books that have got wet in the bath - not (usually) dropped right in the water, but they've got damp from my wet hands when I was reading, or I've put them down onto a wet surface or dripped on them or similar Sad. Some of them are still going strong years after immersion.

Gobbolino6 · 11/02/2016 11:50

I wouldn't have paid. Sign or not, it's their fault the book was damaged and I'd be prepared to fight. [Grin]

vestandknickers · 11/02/2016 11:51

Was your book the only one in the drop box? If they know this is a problem, then yes they are being cheeky.
If, however, you are the first person to use this excuse then you can understand them insisting that you cough up!

Namechange02 · 11/02/2016 12:01

Sorry even with the sign they are being cheeky and I'm really not sure it's remotely enforceable especially for their property, and since the Consumer Rights Act came into force last October (consumer notices have to be fair, it's hardly fair to provide a service and then say if people use it it's their own fault). If they know the box gets full of water they are at fault. Seriously, I'd go back and complain. Say you've taken legal advice and they are on a sticky wicket.

Original poster
Natsku · 11/02/2016 12:20

Was your book the only one in the drop box? No idea.

Not in the UK Namechange02 so no idea what the consumer rights rules are here.

The worse thing is, I only put it in the drop box because it was late and I didn't want to rack up even more late charges but the day I went in there again and they told me I need to pay for the book they were also have a 'late fee forgiveness day' and got rid of all my late charges! I think the universe must hate me Grin

OP posts:
Crinkle77 · 11/02/2016 12:55

Thay are BU and I say that as someone who works in a uni library. It doesn't even look that badly damaged. If they provide a facility for you to drop books off outside of opening hours then the responsibility should be on them to make sure it is waterproof.

AlpacaPicnic · 11/02/2016 13:06

As a library staff person, I would say that, imho, that book is not too damaged to still be read. We would mark that as 'Condition noted' as put in back to get a few more issues. If it was an unpopular book we would withdraw it, but I wouldn't have made you pay for it.

Go back, take your receipt and ask nicely to speak to a manager. You shouldn't be penalised for trying to do the right thing.

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