Friday, August 7, 2009

Why I hate the library

I got into a habit in high school of wanting to buy all of my books rather than checking them out from the library. I love to write in my books (yes, even my novels) and make them my own. (Don't worry, Sam likes to inform me how dorky this is!) But I often end up buying books that aren't that good and then wishing I had spent that $15 on something I wanted to re-read. That in mind, I decided to start using the library again when we moved to San Diego. And now I remember why I made the conversion to begin with.

I am very involved in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children when I receive that annoying email--"You're materials are due in two days." What?!? I can't finish this 550 page, beast of a novel in two days! But then I see that wonderful link at the bottom of the email--"Click here to renew." Phew! I can renew it. Until I click the life-saving button only to discover that there is a hold placed on the book and I have no choice but to turn it in. So my options are these: pay a fine for each day it takes me to finish it or just go to the bookstore and buy it. Grr. Should have just bought it in the first place!

9 comments:

Ms. JMU said...

this is what you do: find the book at the library first. if you like what you're reading then go out and buy the book and 'make it your own'. that way you have not wasted any money on something stupid and you won't have to pay and late fees, especially when you're still not done with it.

Sarah McK said...

That is annoying. But did you just put off starting it or something, b/c I KNOW that libraries have longer than a 2 day checkout limit. I love buying books too, but some books are worth reading but not owning. And the late fines aren't usually that much. I usually just pay them. They usually total a buck or so...much cheaper than buying a book!

Rachel said...

Just finish it really fast!

Courtney Lee said...

I like buying books, because I usually end up liking them. I'm kind of weird that way. And, even if I don't, I like having a record of some of the books I've read...it's like an accomplishment thing.

amylouwhosews said...

That same thing happened to me when I was reading Julie and Julia - how DARE someone put a hold on it when I'm reading. Sheesh.

Did I tell you about how I downloaded an audiobook to avoid late fees? I delete the discs as I finish them. When I got to the end I realized I had accidentally deleted discs 10 and 11 (because they started with 1 and were at the top of the list) and now have to wait for 9 other people (approx. 18 weeks) to get it back so I can finish it. LAME.

Christa and Marcus said...

Hey Laura! That reminds me that I wanted to ask you a question: What is your favorite book ever? I'm looking for something to read and we seem to have similar taste. xoxo

Chelsea said...

Oh Laura, I didn't know you had a blog!!! So hi there! I'm glad you look happy and cute and like you're having so much fun. I'll have to add yours to my extensive list o' blogs. :)

Heather said...

I totally agree, I hate that I've spent money on a book that turns out bad, ugh! laura you look like you're having so much fun! I'm jealous, i LOVE SD!!! Let's get Sarah to visit you there and I'll come down too:)

Christa and Marcus said...

You are SO lucky you have Pinkberry! Do you like it? Some people just don't have a refined enough pallet (Marcus) : )