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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To suggest book sharing amongstDD’s classmates

181 replies

Bringringbring12 · 04/04/2020 16:49

We’ve run out of books. Already! Because DD an absolute book worm. I can’t justify spending loads on new books and libraries closed.

WIBU to suggest on class watsapp group that we set up a book share system? On the understanding that books are are thoroughly cleaned, wrapped in bag and left on doorstep?

It’s a small class of 15, all nice and considerate (none of the “bitchy” glares, cliques and high drama I read about in the world of mumsnet).

Thanks

OP posts:
Macncheeseballs · 04/04/2020 23:19

I had the same reservations about kindles for my DCs as well but now they have them have never looked back

JaceLancs · 04/04/2020 23:38

I’m astounded about the paranoia on here
I went to local supermarket today and whilst in queue (2m apart) someone had left a pile of books with a please take me note - I didn’t because I had no need but thought nice idea / hope others did

Roseberryjuice · 04/04/2020 23:44

Mumsie43 you have said "Nz encourage walks as we are we are possibly less bitchy"

I'm kiwi.

Roseberryjuice · 04/04/2020 23:55

In fact let me add to that. I am kiwi but a UK citizen. I have had a sick child in a hospital in the UK during 'normal times'. The system is stretched beyond belief. I will never forget the look on a young doctors face when he just looked exhausted and overwhelmed. Remember- this was during a 'normal' time. We are in a pandemic. Hospitals are overwhelmed. I hear ambulances out my window day and night. Yes I am may sound a bit paranoid but believe me when I say that you would not want a serious case of anything that requires a hospital right now - so yes I stay at home.

Geraniumblue · 05/04/2020 00:18

No. Not a good idea because it’s not essential. Reread some old favourites.
It probably doesn’t pose much risk, but it’s not essential so you shouldn’t be doing it.

drspouse · 05/04/2020 06:51

geranium you know it's no non essential travel not no non-essential anything?
You're still allowed to
Enjoy the spring flowers while out
Paint pictures
Do crafts
Have a bubble bath
Plant your garden
Stroke your cat
Call your friend for a natter
Put up pictures
Stop and look at lambs
Take a picture of a sunset
Bake cakes
But you just stay in and eat dry bread.

myself2020 · 05/04/2020 07:00

Love the suggestions of kindles for somebody who can’t hustify spending on books, and audiobooks for an avid reader.... audiobooks snd books are 2 completely different things (i personally think audiobooks are the mcdonalds version or real books, others will think the opposite - but they are not interchangeable)
as long as they don’t travel far and you leave them for some days before handling, sounds like a good idea!

SoupDragon · 05/04/2020 07:33

i personally think audiobooks are the mcdonalds version or real books

Nice snobby attitude there.

SoupDragon · 05/04/2020 07:39

Love the suggestions of kindles for somebody who can’t hustify spending on books

There is a free app and a good number of free or cheap books.

myself2020 · 05/04/2020 07:56

@soupdragon if you cite, cite the whole thing. i explicitly stated that others think the opposite
and people who can’t justify books usually don’t have multiple electronic devices lying around waiting to be used

heartsonacake · 05/04/2020 08:15

YABVU and really selfish.

You don’t need to buy a kindle to download books, you can download the kindle app to your phone/tablet and your kid can read lots of free books on there.

drspouse · 05/04/2020 08:21

Only if the OP doesn't want to use it...

Runningshorts · 05/04/2020 08:25

I don't know if anyone else has posted this but on Oxford Owls for home you can currently get loads of free ebooks for kids. You can filter on your child's book band too, so great for keeping their reading going.

www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/library-page/

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 05/04/2020 08:32

"Your approach is entirely sane and reasonable OP. Mumsnet is batshit crazy right now"

^THIS.

HOW is this any different to having a paper delivered, or books that you've ordered online. Post is still being delivered, is going to kill me as well?

This thread is insane. I think it's a great idea. It can be done on their daily walk and it's fine if they're careful.

I hate mumsnet at the moment. Even with the Corona topic hidden its bloody awful. People are being horrible and that's the opposite of what we all need right now.

MigginsMrs · 05/04/2020 08:35

I’d suggest a kindle as well, she’ll never run out of books then.

Helloitsmemargaret · 05/04/2020 08:36

The virus degrades far faster on paper so as long as you take reasonable precautions you'll be ok.

Can you organise the swap as part of your daily exercise?

Then leave the book untouched for at least 24 hours before allowing kids to read them.

Roseberryjuice · 05/04/2020 08:40

How is this any different to having a paper delivered, or books that you've ordered online. Post is still being delivered, is going to kill me as well?

The answer? - you don't as it's nonessential and having these delivered is an extra burden on delivery people's time (post excluded but yes watch your post as even posties ask that we are careful - they leave parcels outside). Delivery drivers should be delivering food to people who need instead. Delivery drivers have also highlighted their upset at nonessential deliveries taking up their time. I am desperate for a good old online shop but I am holding back on everything.

Personally on this thread I haven't been horrible. I am just trying to get people to think about their actions.

Prepenultimate · 05/04/2020 08:46

No. Completely unnecessary. Your library buildings may be closed but they will still offer e-books/ possibly comics online.

SamsMumsCateracts · 05/04/2020 09:00

My 7 year old has also run out of books. We have put a bunch of free ones onto the kindle app on my iPad so that he can read on there. Not ideal as we normally heavily limit screen time and definitely what I'd do at any other time, but needs must at the moment. At least he's still reading! I'm not sure I understand your objection to it. Reading is reading, whether it's a book or a tablet, or indeed a comic or the back of a cereal packet!

Christmasglitterfairy · 05/04/2020 09:01

Try Libby, it's an app for Apple and Android where you can log in with your library card and have access to books and audio books!

skeptile · 05/04/2020 09:06

I think it's a lovely idea. Also, have you looked at Epic! online library? I think it's free access until end of June. DS reception teacher sent him a link. It's brilliant, mainly Scholastic stuff (we've read two Geronimo Stilton graphic novels so far - never on the shelves at our local library!)

Original poster
Bringringbring12 · 05/04/2020 10:43

Brace yourselves....

First book is on my door step. Wrapped in a bag and won’t be touched until Wednesday morning. Dropped off by a lovely mum on her early morning walk.

DD genuinely excited!

OP posts:
Roseberryjuice · 05/04/2020 11:41

Well done OP - I hope you feel good about teaching your kids to bend rules. I sincerely hope you don't need to use our NHS. If you catch this or not you have successfully taught your children how to be selfish. I'm signing out.

drspouse · 05/04/2020 12:08

Gosh @Roseberryjuice I hope you aren't doing anything non essential yourself. What are you having for lunch? How did it get to you? Could you have grown it yourself? Hope you have only bought carbolic soap. Did you stop and take a picture on your walk? Do you know someone's working to keep your internet running? Hope you aren't going to make use of that, or any repairs made during lockdown.

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