Renting library books

[kjg]

OK, you guys are all going to laugh at me... and that's okay. But I am wondering how I can go about renting library books again? Granted, I lost a couple of books, and turned a couple in late, and they sent the acct to collections. So of course, I included that in my bk. So, I call the library to see what has to be done, ie if I can ever get a library card again or if I am forever banned, and she said that (after my discharge) they can't collect fees and whatnot, but I still have to return the loaned items (because they aren't a debt) and if I don't have them anymore, I have to then pay for them. I said how is that not a debt? Lol...

Anyway, I can use a friend's card if I have to, but I'd really rather have my own card that no one else has access to! Has anyone else dealt with this (kinda goofy issue)? I love to read, though, and my kids like to read... I really want my dang card back! ;P

[Mayo]

I've lost a cd last year from library. It cost around $20. I just consider it a donation, if you use it often.

[Drazil65]

No laughing, we use our library weekly here. Our library has great kid programs including free movies and popcorn, free computer use (we often think about getting rid of our internet bill and only use the library (bring our laptop to library to use wifi), my husband and I are voracious readers and have raised our son to be as well. No kindles or any other electronic readers just good old fashion books.

I would either just pay what is owed so you can get a card (if it is important to you) or use a friend/relative card. Good Luck!

[ksgirl38]

I'm in a similar situation. I never used that library again and eventually moved. Is there a library in a surrounding town you could use instead?

How much do you owe them? You could try negotiating with them. Depending on what it is you owe them, ask if you can find a replacement. My friend did this years ago with Blockbuster. She had a tiny fire in her apartment and a movie was damaged. They told her some ridiculous price like $80 to replace it and she argued that she could go to Wal-mart and buy the same thing for $20. She happened to be studying law at the time. Anyway, it worked for her. Give it a try. They are trying to make money off of you most likely.

[AngelinaCat]

In our state, the property taxes fund the public library systems--it is a county by county system. The college libraries will permit community patrons to sign up and check books out. Community patrons are more restricted in the items and amounts of same that they can check out.

I AM a Librarian, BTW....

My advice to the OP, and others interested--if you have a damaged or lost book, CD, DVD, Playaway, or whatever the format, make a good faith effort to find and replace the item with a like item. You will save yourself and the clerks at the circulation desk a lot of trouble.

I, myself have lost books, or damaged them so much that I could not return them in the condition they were. The fact that I went out and bought a similar item went a long way in goodwill toward myself. This has worked at libraries where I worked, and also did not work.

We Librarians, Media Specialists, and Library Clerks all wish to give you good service. Please help us work with you.