a stinking library card so I could check out a book! You'd think I was asking for a million dollar loan. I went in to the public library in our new town to go get some books to read. Their website advertises their "FREE" library card. All you have to do is show id. According to the website. However, when you go in, they tell you they need to see a driver's license, a social security card, a copy of your last utility bill for proof of address, a personal reference from this town, and a reference from the library in your old town.
I told the librarian, I just moved here two days ago so all I have to show my address is our lease agreement. She said that would work for now and then I showed her my forms of id. Then came the reference. I tried explaining to her that I know no one here. :rolleyes: Talk about a waste of time! She kept insisting that I give her a local person's telephone number to use as a reference. :BangHead: I was seriously considering just making up a number, but I didn't. The local reference is used to in case the library can't get ahold of you and you have an overdue book. The librarian suggested I use my landlord or my husband's boss. :doah: I didn't really think either of them would appreciate getting a phone call about books I forgot to return etc....
After spending an hour trying to convince her to let me check out the 1 book I had in my hand. I put it down on the counter and said, "Just forget it." I informed her that maybe they should change their website to indicate all the hoops people have to jump through just to get the stupid library card.
Thanks for letting me vent. I feel much better now.
Amorette, what type of books do you like to read? I am an avid book reader and I have many many paperbacks and hard cover books that I would be happy to send on to you. I have a lot of fiction and mystery books. If you would like some, pm me your address and I'll send you a supply of books. When you are finished with them, you can share them with others in your area or keep them.....just let me know. Dee
Amorette,Kelly here: I'm repeating what Dee asked you! What kind of books do you like? I live near a place that sells used books for under $2.00 and be happy to try to find some for you!
Thank you so much for your kind offers! I did manage to get my library card this afternoon. My husband mentioned to his boss the struggle we were having getting a library card. His boss said he was a BIG supporter of the public library through the company and personal donations. He called them and talked to them about it and stated that all his current donations and future donations would be immediately cancelled if he heard of any more people being turned away like we were.
Needless to say, the librarian was much friendlier and accommodating to us this afternoon. My husband's boss is going to bring up the issue at a city council meeting and see what he can do to get them to change that policy.
I'll definitely take both of you up on the offer if I ever need to.
man, sorry for your frustrating ordeal... but all's well that ends well...... right? :thumb:
If anyone is ever interested in a book exchange, I'm a voracious reader and have lots of books too.
:grin:
Dawn
That is just so ridiculous. Aren't libraries supposed to support reading? And aren't they there to encourage everyone to read??? I would have loved to have been there when the phone call was made. It had to have been interesting.
Around here, you do have to have proof of address, but you don't need a reference, that's for sure. Actually, as soon as a child is in the 4th grade, the representatives from the library come the their school and issue a library card to them. Of course, an adult will have to take them to the library, but the card is theirs and the account is theirs. The way they handle fines is once your fine reaches a certain amount, you no longer are allowed to check out anything until it is paid.
The best thing they have done is computerized it all. I can go online, reserve a book, renew my books (which keeps many from being late) and they also send out a courtesy notice 3 days before they are due. Maybe the library in your town, even though it may be small, could look into a better way of keeping track of their books instead of harassing the people who check them out!
I think the book exchange is a great idea. The media rate isn't much at all for mailing.
I would be VERY interested in a book exchange. I read constantly and my house is fast being overrun by books I don't have the heart to throw away....
Well I have a lot of book, mostly about politics, but I do have some cookbooks I'd love to give to someone. I think I still have the one that is nothing but cookies.
Terri, your house with books sounds like my house. We have bookshelves full of books (4 book shelves plus I've got books bagged/boxed up). I buy'em, read'em and then save them. Last spring, I did finally give some away.....but still have many many more. dee
Quote from: DeeanDave on January 20, 2009, 09:15:36 AM
Amorette, what type of books do you like to read? I am an avid book reader and I have many many paperbacks and hard cover books that I would be happy to send on to you. I have a lot of fiction and mystery books. If you would like some, pm me your address and I'll send you a supply of books. When you are finished with them, you can share them with others in your area or keep them.....just let me know. Dee
Hmmm.....looks like some interest here for a book exchange.........I can work on a list, if you would be interested and what your favorite authors, types of books you like to read, fiction, romance, mystery, non-fiction, etc....... I'd be happy to coordinate with addresses, etc, once compiled and send via email to those interested. dee
That's would be great to have a book exchange! I have a lot of books myself that are just sitting around. The hard part is getting me to get rid of them. :wink:
I would love to participate. I have so many paperbacks to share.
Annie