I volunteer behind the circulation desk of my local library a few hours a week. I look forward to my weekly chance to greet and assist our patrons. Every minute is an opportunity for a new adventure or discovery. As with most journeys, I experience and savor the high points and persevere through the more challenging bumps.
I empathized with a patron who returned a canine mauled book with a trade paperback edition replacement in hand. Unfortunately, according to our circulation policies specific to lost of damaged items, we can’t accept replacements purchased by patrons, but must charge for the replacement cost, plus a small handling fee. Why not take the replacement from the patron? In the case of print books, it’s usually because the bindings available from retail outlets won’t hold up as well as print editions bound for library circulation.
Continue reading “Library Version of ‘My Dog Ate My Homework’”