July 2010

July 2010
A few months ago, I wrote an article about why people use their public libraries. Most people I surveyed said the number one reason they use the library is for the books. Sure, they used their libraries to check out DVDs and CDs, for programs, and for information gathering. But it was the books that kept them coming back. A recent shopping experience got me thinking about one other excellent reason for people to use their public libraries.

I bought a set of sheets at a local department store over the weekend. The price was right, the color was perfect and I had money burning a hole in my pocket. I took them home, put them on the bed, and later that evening, snuggled in for a good night’s rest. Ah, sleep.

And then it happened. Three hours later I was tossing, and turning, and I didn’t think I could stand it any longer. Those darn sheets were so scratchy, I just couldn’t get comfortable. So, at 2:15 a.m. I told myself I was going to return the sheets the next morning, and spend a little more money to get non-scratchy sheets.

From 2:15 a.m. all the way to 9:00 a.m. when I returned the sheets, I fretted. I worried. I tossed and I turned. Would the store take the sheets back? Would I have to explain that I really only slept on them for three hours? Would they think I was some crazy sheet lady who roams the country buying and returning sheet sets?

All of this got me thinking about the books I check out from the library. If I check out a book and discover that I don’t like it or just can’t get into the storyline or the characters, I never worry about returning the book. I never worry about having to explain why I didn’t like the book. And I never lose sleep over thinking the people at the library are going to think I’m some crazy book lady who roams the country checking out library books and returning them.

Life is too short for a book you don’t enjoy. Return it, guilt free, and check out one that isn’t so scratchy.