Okay, so we’ve established the need for a home library and now your friends are jealous. You found the latest hot fiction novel at a yard sale for .50 and they want to borrow it. The thing is, Clarabelle already borrowed your Nora Roberts and Elsie borrowed your Clive Cussler and Trixie has your Candace Salima. How are you going to keep track of who has what book? And what if they don’t give it back? And why do your friends all sound like they were named after cows?
1. Keep a notebook on your bookshelf. Write down (from left to right) the title, who borrowed it, and how long you said they could keep it. I really recommend asking your friends to return the book within a certain amount of time. If you shrug and say, “Oh, I don’t need it for a while,” trust me, you’ll come up with a need for it. Besides, if you ask them for a time commitment, they’ll know you care about your books and would like them treated with respect. I’m not suggesting you be dogmatic about it, just that you make your expectations clear upfront.
2 If you have a special way you like your books treated, tell your friends so you don’t get it back covered in chocolate, watermarked, and doggy-eared. Most people will treat borrowed property with more respect, but some don’t understand that books are people too.
3. Put a return address label on the book. Sometimes people forget who they borrowed things from and so they don’t get returned. Or, you can use a Post-it Note and put your name and when you’d like the book back.
When you borrow a book, if the owner hasn’t marked their name on it, put a Post-It inside the front cover where it won’t get pulled off accidentally. This way, you’ll remember who you got it from as well.
Borrowing books from friends can be a great way to share common interests and save money as well. (Why buy it if Sally Jane already has it?) Be sure to establish clear boundaries so your books are returned to you on time and in good condition, and you’ll keep your relationship with your friend in good condition as well.
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