TOTALLY GEEKED!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
totallygeeked -> totallygeeked general -> Dear Abby - smokers ruin library books
Post Info TOPIC: Dear Abby - smokers ruin library books
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Dear Abby - smokers ruin library books
Permalink  
 

DEAR ABBY: May I vent about something? I work for a public library. A customer came up the other day holding a book she was interested in and asked, “Does this smell like cigarette smoke to you?”

It did, so I apologized and added it to the box of items to be disposed of.

This happens often. Books are returned by obviously heavy smokers with the pages so saturated with the odor of stale tobacco that they must be set aside to see if it will dissipate. Sometimes they smell better after a day or so, but often we have no choice but to throw perfectly good books away. It’s frustrating, because the cost of books, DVDs and other materials adds up.

We don’t have a policy for charging the offenders. So, Abby, I hope you will pass along the “hint” to heavy smokers that if they smoke while reading their library books, they’re creating extra costs for the library and their fellow taxpayers, and affecting more than just their own health. — LIBRARY EMPLOYEE IN WASHINGTON

DEAR L.E.: I understand your problem because many years ago there was no rule in the Dear Abby office against smoking on the premises, and several of my mother’s assistants were heavy smokers. In those days, readers’ questions all arrived via snail mail rather than via the Internet, and I vividly remember my mother complaining that when letters were delivered to her home, the tobacco odor was so strong it made it hard for her to review them.

Readers, out of consideration for others, please take note and try to refrain from smoking when using library books. The writer of this letter isn’t exaggerating.



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Most smokers don't care.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
huskerbb


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 10215
Date:
Permalink  
 

I would not throw out a book because of this. Most books get a musty smell with age, anyway.

__________________

I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.

 

Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
Tinydancer


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6573
Date:
Permalink  
 

Yeah. Air it out don't throw it out.

__________________

“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.”
― Julia Child ―


 

 

 
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

It depends on how many cigarettes the previous reader smoked while holding the book.

flan

__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

Yep. You don't want the library to smell, and you don't want it to contaminate other books.



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

I have selected a book, intending to check it out, but put it back because the smell of smoke gagged me.

flan

__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
FNW


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 18703
Date:
Permalink  
 

Isn't there something that can be done about the smell? Lysol? Fabreze?

__________________

#it's5o'clocksomewhere
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

FNW wrote:

Isn't there something that can be done about the smell? Lysol? Fabreze?

 It's in the pages.  You can't really get them wet.  Sometimes sprinkling baking soda between the pages can help, but that's a lot of work and will have to sit quite a while.  It would probably only be practical for really expensive or special books.



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lawyerlady wrote:
FNW wrote:

Isn't there something that can be done about the smell? Lysol? Fabreze?

 It's in the pages.  You can't really get them wet.  Sometimes sprinkling baking soda between the pages can help, but that's a lot of work and will have to sit quite a while.  It would probably only be practical for really expensive or special books.

 And Lysol is very strong & could damage the paper.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

But the library DOES need to have a policy that allows them to charge for damaged books.

flan

__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

It's a lbrary. If you want books that haven't been handled by everyone and anyone, buy it new.

You know what else comes home in those library books? Bugs.



__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

flan327 wrote:

But the library DOES need to have a policy that allows them to charge for damaged books.

flan

 I think that would be very hard to enforce.  I mean, smoke builds up over time and proving who is responsible would be difficult.  Plus, a librarian that smokes would be unlikely to notice the scent vs. one who does not.  



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
huskerbb


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 10215
Date:
Permalink  
 

flan327 wrote:

It depends on how many cigarettes the previous reader smoked while holding the book.

flan

 No it doesn't.  If it's in their home, the smell permeates everything irregardless of whether they are actively smoking at the time.  



__________________

I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.

 

Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lawyerlady wrote:
flan327 wrote:

But the library DOES need to have a policy that allows them to charge for damaged books.

flan

 I think that would be very hard to enforce.  I mean, smoke builds up over time and proving who is responsible would be difficult.  Plus, a librarian that smokes would be unlikely to notice the scent vs. one who does not.  

 True, but librarians get to know patrons who habitually bring backs books with stains, teeth marks, torn pages, bugs, food. If a patron is checking out new books, and the whole stack reeks, it's a safe assumption.

First you talk with them & if that doesn't change things, you enforce the rules.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

lilyofcourse wrote:

It's a lbrary. If you want books that haven't been handled by everyone and anyone, buy it new.

You know what else comes home in those library books? Bugs.

 It's about RESPECTING property that ISN'T yours. If a class visits, we always talk to them about how to TAKE CARE of books.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

flan327 wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:

It's a lbrary. If you want books that haven't been handled by everyone and anyone, buy it new.

You know what else comes home in those library books? Bugs.

 It's about RESPECTING property that ISN'T yours. If a class visits, we always talk to them about how to TAKE CARE of books.

flan

 Yes. I understand that.

I stopped taking my kids to the library because of allergies due to smoke, mold, dust and bugs.

Just saying, there is an option.

The book store sells the same books.

 



__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

And a library is FREE.

Geez...not a difficult concept.

flan

__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
Lexxy


My dog name is Sasha, too!

Status: Offline
Posts: 6679
Date:
Permalink  
 

I treat books well & never dog ear pages, etc. but if a book comes out of my house you can bet it smells like smoke. I never use the library so I'm not damaging other people's books.

__________________
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

flan327 wrote:

And a library is FREE.

Geez...not a difficult concept.

flan

 Yes. It is.

And there in lies the crux of the problem. 

If you don't want the smells, don't go to the free place.

There is nothing wrong with using a library, I did quite often.

But to complain over a free service is silly.

 



__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

lilyofcourse wrote:
flan327 wrote:

And a library is FREE.

Geez...not a difficult concept.

flan

 Yes. It is.

And there in lies the crux of the problem. 

If you don't want the smells, don't go to the free place.

There is nothing wrong with using a library, I did quite often.

But to complain over a free service is silly.

 

 Libraries are actually funded with taxpayer dollars.  So, not so much free as community owned.



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

Meh... it's all going to be digital soon anyway.

__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lawyerlady wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
flan327 wrote:

And a library is FREE.

Geez...not a difficult concept.

flan

 Yes. It is.

And there in lies the crux of the problem. 

If you don't want the smells, don't go to the free place.

There is nothing wrong with using a library, I did quite often.

But to complain over a free service is silly.

 

 Libraries are actually funded with taxpayer dollars.  So, not so much free as community owned.

 Granted.

But the idea is the same.

If everyone uses it. You get everyone's yuck.



__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lawyerlady wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
flan327 wrote:

And a library is FREE.

Geez...not a difficult concept.

flan

 Yes. It is.

And there in lies the crux of the problem. 

If you don't want the smells, don't go to the free place.

There is nothing wrong with using a library, I did quite often.

But to complain over a free service is silly.

 

 Libraries are actually funded with taxpayer dollars.  So, not so much free as community owned.

 Yes, property taxes are the #1 source of funding in Indiana.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

lilyofcourse wrote:

Meh... it's all going to be digital soon anyway.

 Never happen.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

Keep telling yourself that.

__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

lilyofcourse wrote:
flan327 wrote:

And a library is FREE.

Geez...not a difficult concept.

flan

 Yes. It is.

And there in lies the crux of the problem. 

If you don't want the smells, don't go to the free place.

There is nothing wrong with using a library, I did quite often.

But to complain over a free service is silly.

 

 Libraries have RULES. You can't come in without a shirt. You can't cuss or look at online p0rn. You can't bring a carryout container of ribs and eat them.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

lilyofcourse wrote:

Keep telling yourself that.

 We loan lots of e-books...but do you think poor people can afford a Nook or Kindle?

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
Riding


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1345
Date:
Permalink  
 

I hope not. I like my kindle and can't imagine not having it! BUT I also love the feel of a book in my hands, and I hope all future generations get to enjoy that same feeling.

__________________

~~Four Wheels Move the Body~~  ~~ Two Wheels Move the Soul~~ 

flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Riding wrote:

I hope not. I like my kindle and can't imagine not having it! BUT I also love the feel of a book in my hands, and I hope all future generations get to enjoy that same feeling.

 I think both formats will continue.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

flan327 wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:

Keep telling yourself that.

 We loan lots of e-books...but do you think poor people can afford a Nook or Kindle?

flan

 Won't be long and they will.

You can get a used one for less than $50 now.

 



__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

Riding wrote:

I hope not. I like my kindle and can't imagine not having it! BUT I also love the feel of a book in my hands, and I hope all future generations get to enjoy that same feeling.

 I like an actual book, too.

 



__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
Mary Zombie


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1758
Date:
Permalink  
 

lilyofcourse wrote:
flan327 wrote:

And a library is FREE.

Geez...not a difficult concept.

flan

 Yes. It is.

And there in lies the crux of the problem. 

If you don't want the smells, don't go to the free place.

There is nothing wrong with using a library, I did quite often.

But to complain over a free service is silly.

 

 I have to agree with Lily here.  geesh



__________________
That's Mrs. Face to you!
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Mary Zombie wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
flan327 wrote:

And a library is FREE.

Geez...not a difficult concept.

flan

 Yes. It is.

And there in lies the crux of the problem. 

If you don't want the smells, don't go to the free place.

There is nothing wrong with using a library, I did quite often.

But to complain over a free service is silly.

 

 I have to agree with Lily here.  geesh

 So don't go to a public library...Hell, don't go to ANY public place ever...

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
Tinydancer


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6573
Date:
Permalink  
 

Good answer flanny.

__________________

“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.”
― Julia Child ―


 

 

 
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

There is the matter of being COURTEOUS when dealing with things that don't belong to you.

__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lawyerlady wrote:

There is the matter of being COURTEOUS when dealing with things that don't belong to you.

 Simple, right?

We don't expect people to whisper any more. It's a welcoming place, to be used for both learning & recreational reading/viewing.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
Mary Zombie


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1758
Date:
Permalink  
 

No. I would still go to the free places and accept that they may not be exactly how I like it all of the time. 😀

__________________
That's Mrs. Face to you!
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Mary Zombie wrote:

No. I would still go to the free places and accept that they may not be exactly how I like it all of the time. 😀

 But a GOOD library will try its best to be a welcoming place.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
Riding


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1345
Date:
Permalink  
 

flan327 wrote:
Riding wrote:

I hope not. I like my kindle and can't imagine not having it! BUT I also love the feel of a book in my hands, and I hope all future generations get to enjoy that same feeling.

 I think both formats will continue.

flan

I agree! 



__________________

~~Four Wheels Move the Body~~  ~~ Two Wheels Move the Soul~~ 

Mary Zombie


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1758
Date:
Permalink  
 

I never thought the library was unwelcoming back in the day before everyone worried about the books smelling though.

__________________
That's Mrs. Face to you!
Lady Gaga Snerd


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 25897
Date:
Permalink  
 

Sorry, but i don't think some smoker is going to read that and think "oh i need to quit smoking in case i want to donate some books to the library!"

__________________

https://politicsandstuff.proboards.com/
Nobody Just Nobody


Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24026
Date:
Permalink  
 

Our library is having a grand opening on the 14th. They just built a huge new building. Six times what it was before. Apparently our library is not shrinking nor going anywhere.

__________________


“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I'll rise!”
― Maya Angelou
Tinydancer


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 6573
Date:
Permalink  
 

What about books that go to homes where they cook smelly food, or stinky hoarders, or they burn incense? If they're public then you take your chances. It's ridiculous to throw away a perfectly good book because you didn't want to take the time to air it out.

__________________

“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.”
― Julia Child ―


 

 

 
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lawyerlady wrote:

There is the matter of being COURTEOUS when dealing with things that don't belong to you.

 Ah but if it is tax payer dollars that put it there, and the one checking it out pays taxes, it does belong to them.

 



__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

lilyofcourse wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:

There is the matter of being COURTEOUS when dealing with things that don't belong to you.

 Ah but if it is tax payer dollars that put it there, and the one checking it out pays taxes, it does belong to them.

 

 No, when you sign up for a library card you AGREE to return materials on time & undamaged. It would be a waste of taxpayer's money otherwise.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:

Sorry, but i don't think some smoker is going to read that and think "oh i need to quit smoking in case i want to donate some books to the library!"

 You're NOT donating YOUR books. You are returning library property.

flan



__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

flan327 wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:

There is the matter of being COURTEOUS when dealing with things that don't belong to you.

 Ah but if it is tax payer dollars that put it there, and the one checking it out pays taxes, it does belong to them.

 

 No, when you sign up for a library card you AGREE to return materials on time & undamaged. It would be a waste of taxpayer's money otherwise.

flan

 Duh.



__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
flan327


Itty bitty's Grammy

Status: Offline
Posts: 28124
Date:
Permalink  
 

Was that redneck humor?

flan

__________________

You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.
Ohfour


Hooker

Status: Offline
Posts: 12666
Date:
Permalink  
 

flan327 wrote:

Was that redneck humor?

flan

So, all of the sudden, redneck is not a slur to you?  It either is or it isn't.  



__________________

America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
1 2  >  Last»  | Page of 2  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
totallygeeked -> totallygeeked general -> Dear Abby - smokers ruin library books


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard