Looking at my book reviews, it’s pretty obvious that the bulk of the books I’ve been reading were from the library. As a student I don’t have much of a disposable income. Sure, tutoring gives me some extra cash but with clothes and food to pay for, I can’t buy every book I want to read. This is why libraries have become sort of a second home to me. In fact, ever since at the age of eight I first became acquainted with the concept of public libraries that allowed me to borrow books and read them, I have come to see them as havens. But I digress. I’ll talk about my love for libraries another time. What I’m interested in is how hygiene of library books affects readers’ lives.
This leads me to wonder what can be done to keep these books clean. I mean, come to think of it, even a well-preserved library book that looks like new might just house my next flu bug. I have no idea how long flu bugs can survive outside of human bodies but I do remember that during the SARS outbreak in 2003, my dad would take my library books at the door and put them away for a couple of days, just in case any residues were on or in them. Would it be paranoia to do that when there are no epidemics?
Once in a while I manage to reserve new books before they even hit the shelves, so I know I’m the first to read those library books when I borrow them. I have to pay a small reservation fee but compared to actually buying those books, I save about 90% of the purchase cost. This is particularly ideal for books I really want to read but don’t necessarily feel like I have to own. Besides knowing I’m the first to read those books, and revelling in the newness them, the clean freak in me relishes the fact that the pages between those covers have been untouched and so are almost certainly clear of any filth.
Right now I’m so appropriately grossed out, I might just avoid library books for a while. Good thing for exams since I don’t have all that much time to read now, so there won’t be that great a temptation to pick up a library book. But really, I don’t think I’ve ever contracted anything from reading library books and according to the news reports about Fifty Shades of Grey, reading those copies is harmless to library patrons. But still, I think psychological scarring is a possibility with that kind of news.
I love library books but they’re not the most hygienic objects. I wash my hands after I’m done with them and probably wouldn’t treat them the same way that I do with books I own (ie fall asleep with them).
Yes! I’ve made it a habit too. When I decide to read in bed, I read my own books or I read ebooks. At least I can vouch for the cleanliness that way.
I get ALL my books from the library. I swear everything is gross anymore. But this isn’t even what caught my eye about your post! It’s the fee you have to pay to reserve a book. REALLY? What… I don’t even! Man I have like 50 things on reserve at my library right now. Some of them I am even number 300. I can’t imagine having to pay for that service.
Shocked!! :)
PS I would pay for that service too by the way.
Angie
You mean you can place THAT many books on reserve? I think my library only allows four or so at any one time and the reservation expires after two weeks or so one a book has been allocated to you. I suppose the reservation fee’s also there because books are transferred between the branches, so you can pick up books at your preferred branch? Never really looked in to this before, actually. Just took it as part of the library service. Haha.
Library books can be pretty gross; however, I would encourage you not to run from them. Cash is notoriously for being germy, and it is probably far worse than a library book.
Good point on cash being worse. And no worries, I don’t intend to give up on library books just yet. I’ve relied on library books the past 15 years, and I don’t think those germs have affected me all that much. Haha
I felt the same way about library books after I read those articles! I’ve always like the old, well-worn books from the library, and I also shop a lot at library book sales and used bookstores. . . the idea that I could contract a disease from simply touching books that other people have touched never crossed my mind until now.
I think I’ll still pick up library books, though. Libraries are kind of like public restrooms or city buses; I can’t be scared of sitting on a toilet seat or holding onto a handrail, because those are things I need to do. And I definitely need to read! Looks like I’ll just have to trust that my immune system is strong enough to combat whatever books throw my way, haha. :)
Your comparison with restrooms cracked me up! Lol. Seeing how computer keyboards are touted as filthier on average than restrooms, I suppose our immune systems have found ways to keep up after all. For now I’m not giving up on library books either but I’m definitely going to be more careful. At least I’m hoping the kinds of books I read won’t be susceptible to that kind of nonsense. Plus, drugs come with heavy penalties here, so I’m unlikely to come across cocaine :)