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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think it's selfish to not return your library books on time?

148 replies

floatinglily · 21/08/2019 10:30

I've got a reserve on a library book I'm desperate to read. The previous person is now a week overdue. AIBU to think this is selfish? If you can't return your book on time that you have borrowed for free from a public library you shouldn't have taken it in the first place. If you can't read a book in 3 weeks and are relying on being able to renew it you should blinking well buy it or just accept you'll have to finish it when it becomes available again.

OP posts:
NameChange84 · 21/08/2019 11:42

I have to admit my first thought wouldn’t be, “what a selfish bastard being a week overdue with a library book.” I’d just think that they probably had a legitimate reason for the delay

Do you feel the same way about renewing books? That it’s selfish? I frequently had to renew books for the relative I cared for for 7 years. She was bedbound but a prolific reader and on a bad week healthwise she might not get her books finished. Rather than return a book she’d half read, I’d renew it so she got to finish it. I never thought that someone might have reserved it and so by renewing it, they would be delayed in starting the book. I just thought reading was one of the only things keeping my relative sane.

I didn’t realise starting a book a week or so later than planned could cause so much upset!

JacquesHammer · 21/08/2019 11:42

to everyone saying 'Just buy the book' - must be nice to live in a world where you can just do that and don't have to rely on free libraries

You mean like the OP did.....?

I’m merely pointing out the logic that if she expects others to buy books then she should follow the same “rules”.

CTRL · 21/08/2019 11:45

First world bloody problems Hmm

MondayBakedPotato · 21/08/2019 11:46

I am terrible for returning library books, so I end up paying rather large fines. They are usually children's books. They have really cut library opening times in my area so it is not as easy to return them
But really, I just seem to have a mind blank when it comes to library books. I will be told via email if it is reserved though so I make much more of an effort to return them on time.
I'm sorry on behalf of all later returners 😳

WhatHaveIFound · 21/08/2019 11:47

It is annoying but there could be a load of reasons why they couldn't get to the library to return it. I was two months late in returning my mum's books when she had a fall and was in hospital.

I recently reserved books for both my teens. One is heavily in demand so it can't be renewed. I've told DD that she has to read it in 3 weeks as i don't want to be fined!

PuffHuffle5 · 21/08/2019 11:48

to everyone saying 'Just buy the book' - must be nice to live in a world where you can just do that and don't have to rely on free libraries

People don’t just use libraries because they can’t afford books - I use the library mostly because it’s great to read one for free and it’s better for the environment, and sometimes I buy from charity shops and if I want something specific and can’t find it in either I’ll buy it new. And the only reason people have suggested to buy it new is because the OP suggested it herself and thought the other library user should.

WhatHaveIFound · 21/08/2019 11:48

MondayBakedPotato if you take the books out on a child card in our library the fines are lower. But i agree, library hours have been cut so much lately that it's hard to fit into the working week.

Toomanycats99 · 21/08/2019 11:51

I've reserved an ebook.......it's got an estimated wait of 6 months due to demand!

hoorayforharoldlloyd · 21/08/2019 11:59

I was v late returning some books as my son was prem and in hospital - the man at the library cancelled my fine as a welcome to the world gift, it was lovely.

I think it's forgetfulness rather than selfishness - when you're busy, the weeks slip through your fingers. I used to get ny books back within about ten days and get a pile more, I now have to put a reminder on my calendar.

I ended up buying a book recently as the waiting list was so enormous, even if people weren't late.

MrsKittyFane1 · 21/08/2019 12:02

Our library phones up if we don't return popular books on time... only did it once 😳

twilightcafe · 21/08/2019 12:05

DisplayPurposesOnly

I have just worked out how to borrow eBooks from my local library. I LOVE the fact that I can borrow books from my tablet and they return themselves.

FuriousVexation · 21/08/2019 12:08

I get your frustration, but if you don't have your own transport then it can be tricky, especially if juggling childcare etc.

JacquesHammer · 21/08/2019 12:12

Anyone else really want to know what book the OP is desperate to read? Smile

notso · 21/08/2019 12:14

Like long waits for medical appointments or oversubscribed schools it's just the 'cost' of having free stuff.
You'll get to read the book eventually for nothing. You are fortunate to live in a place where this is possible.

IhateBoswell · 21/08/2019 12:18

I'm also shocked librarians swear these days 😳

RoxytheRexy · 21/08/2019 12:19

Has your library got BorrowBox? It’s improved my life so much

Last time I had library books overdue I was 34 weeks pregnant and my Mum was palliated. My books were not exactly my priority

fairislecable · 21/08/2019 12:22

I want to know what book it is ? (Misses the point of thread)

UnaCorda · 21/08/2019 12:22

to everyone saying 'Just buy the book' - must be nice to live in a world where you can just do that and don't have to rely on free libraries

I realise that some people are very hard-up indeed, but it's not beyond the majority of people's means to be able to buy the odd novel - it hardly requires unimaginable riches.

Apolloanddaphne · 21/08/2019 12:27

Our library doesn't appear to levy fines any more.

iklboo · 21/08/2019 12:29

I can’t believe a librarian just used the f word. I’m going to have to sit down for a few minutes.

My librarian friend is very sweary. It's because she can't do it all day so it sort of bottles up and comes out after a few gins Grin.

JaneJeffer · 21/08/2019 12:29

You'll enjoy it more now you've had to wait.

LatteLove · 21/08/2019 12:30

Yeah it is a bit, but hardly the world’s most heinous offence.

IHaveBrilloHair · 21/08/2019 12:30

Tell us what the book is!

CherryPlum · 21/08/2019 12:30

I'm really surprised at the reaction you're getting on here OP, I agree with you it is pretty selfish to not bother returning a book to the library unless there is a very good reason for not returning it in time.

So many people only think of themselves.

stayathomer · 21/08/2019 12:32

Yes, the other person is probably just being selfish. I can guarantee that if they are, they also don't give a fuck about the people waiting, OP!

I'm regularly late with books. I don't mean to be and I always feel awful about it. I've absolutely no excuse and I'm an author too so double whammy. But I don't do it because I don't care about other users. And it is possible for people not to be able to afford books, especially recently released paperbacks. Until about a year ago and for the past five years we were putting small change together for food and in constant battles with providers over bills, loans and our mortgage. I couldn't have bought books in good conscience.

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