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

[floatinglily]

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.

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

I've just logged into my account and there's no option for setting up reminders.

Our borough are actually very good with libraries, building new libraries and refurbing existing ones, and they are very well used. Surprised that they've missed this trick.

in fact there's no way you can read 7 books in 3 weeks (or whatever)

Of course you can read seven books in three weeks! You must be a very slow reader.

When I was a child I had a favourite non fiction book which I renewed every time I went to the library so you would have a long wait for that one OP

Of course you can read seven books in three weeks! You must be a very slow reader.

Not when I'm working 40 hours per week and care for elderly parents.

Why this is unlikely? Is why I read slow. Not everyone born in English country

Yes I know. I have family members who likewise were not born here. They don’t tend to borrow library books that they’ll struggle to bloody read

In any event, it’s far, far more likely that they are just a bit lazy or forgot.

I used to be terrible for returning books late, and yes it is selfish really. I was just very disorganised. I am much better now though. There are times when people are genuinely unable to get to the library, however, eg unexpected hospital stay.

@Orangeswoosh...

Library ebooks tend to be published in the EPUB format which (I think) kindles can't read. (That's how Amazon lock you into their ecosystem, by using their own ebook format that only kindles can read.) I think some ebooks are now published as PDF format which kindles can read. So you may find you can't borrow all the ebooks, just some. My ereader is a Kobo, not a kindle, so I'm not certain of their capabilities; that's how it used to be but it may have changed.

I think it's bloomin' great. I love getting library books but struggle to get to the actual library. Browsing is definitely not as much fun, but needs must.

Oh dear, Silvery. You do know my post was just general, don't you? Not aimed at you? And that people often have a lot on so your reading might only be 10 mins at breakfast and 10 mins in bed?

You must be very slow if you can't get that. But yes, some people are slow readers. So what? DH is a slow reader, plus he often has more than one book on the go at once. He can remember more about books he read 20 years ago than I can remember from last year. So, not necessarily the negative you think it is.

Plus, hogging one book for months on end? Not something to boast about.

CassianAndor meow.

That sentence was wrong because it's perfectly possible to read seven books in three weeks. You should have said 'in fact there's no way I can read seven books in three weeks'. Not sure I'm the slow one.

Yeah I was a real bitch when I was seven years old. Sixty-five years on I've forgiven myself.

HTH

SilverySurfer

Imagine if you could find a way of disagreeing with a point without being obnoxious about it.

Seems you are (much!!) older but no wiser than the “bitch” you were when you were 7.

Mmmmm I thought my library fines were a way of propping the library up and keeping it open

Who uses libraries these days? 😳

Me! I use my library all the time. I make a point of it because as a child the library was my lifeline. In a home where there were few books I loved my library. It didn't just let me read, read, read but also helped me get through O levels and A levels. I cannot express how important it is that we keep supporting libraries. BTW I am not a librarian!

I have a kindle which is full to the brim, but there is nothing like a real book.

If you love libraries then you should make every effort to return books on time. People in the OP's situation or experiencing other inconveniences get fed up and stop using the library. Even worse, most of them will get a Kindle for the cheap ebooks and if you love books, you really don't want to be buying from Amazon. They are the single biggest risk to the publishing industry with their relentless push for a monopoly.

I get 15 books out every time, and read them all in three weeks. It's not even one a day, and I usually have cookbooks/art books in the mix as well.

Libraries are like magical kingdoms to me, the thrill of ALL THE BOOKS FOR FREE has never diminished. I got a Christmas card from mine last year, I think I am their best customer.

I was not at all keen to get a Kindle, but in the end it was the weight of it that drew me in. I can literally take 100s of books on holiday without having to pay for the luggage weight!

I am still a printed word addict though. My local library is great (though I wish they could have update their books more frequently - I suspect this is a funding issue). They have a newish PC section and always have something clever to encourage children to read. The children's section is so well set up.

Who uses libraries these days

Me! Not all the time but I borrow several books a year and you can borrow magazines too. And because I want it to stay open and they are measured on footfall and borrowings.

Who uses libraries these days?

I’d love to. But given they won’t waive erroneous fines, my card is frozen and I can’t borrow anything.

My library you can't renew a book if someone else as reserved it so just have to return or be fined.
I've reserved many brand new hardbacks for £1 and assume most people who do that are keen readers who would read it in 3 weeks.
Now textbooks where it says to be returned 2018, well that person ain't going to be returning it anytime soon!

I’ve just received an overdue email from the library ... and I’m on holiday.... hope it’s not me OP and I’m very sorry and will return as soon as I’m home !!!

@DisplayPurposesOnly I discovered that. Sad times. I do have a smart phone and an iPad which are both compatible but I hate reading on them. I have a very early kindle without the backlit screen. I do tend to get a lot of free ebooks. Good way of trying out new authors.

This has prompted me back to the local library. I used to go e erg week as a child and was an avid reader. Does the ebook app work on a kindle fire as it’s more of a tablet?

It probably is. Though I don't think it is why libraries are being reduced or closed, it is more to do with local authority cuts. Mainly by the former Chancellor of the Exchequer who now edits the only free reading that may be left in parts of London before long, the Evening Standard.