What my Librarian told me

songbird · ‎03-21-2010

It turns out that all books returned in our public library system are quarantined for a week before they are checked back in. I never knew that. I have been checking them out (going to a window on the side of the library) and checking them back in (a book drop also on the side of the library) But I never really took a look at my online account. I did today and saw a book I returned this past Wednesday as showing as still checked out. I called & the librarian told me about the quarantine. Had no idea. Does your library system do the same thing?

insomniac2 · ‎02-20-2016

Yes, they do. However, I returned a book (on time) in April and it's still reported as missing.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

Yes, our libraries do the same thing now with the virus. But we have no fines for overdue books so it's not a problem.

ahoymate · ‎05-30-2010

Our city library books are quarantined for 96 hours.

walkingal · ‎03-09-2010

Yes, my county public library has similar policies. They quarantine returned books for 72 hours. And they have curb-side pickup. Sadly, I don't see this changing any time soon. I'm using my Kindle mostly since the pandemic. I prefer paperbacks, and hardly ever used my Kindle -- until now! I downloaded the Cloudlibrary app, and I love it! Whenever possible, I check out the Cloud books. I never thought I would be reading ebooks!

KailaS · ‎03-09-2010

Yes. A story in the local paper a few weeks ago showed containers of books being quarantined. This is a steange new world. I have been reading ebooks for years, first on my Nook and now on my iPad. I newer thought about quarantining physical books until that newspaper article.

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

@songbird Each of our libraries hold the returned books/videos/materials for 72 hours (at a minimum) before returning to circulation to avoid spreading the Virus to others. It's an excellent safety measure. I'm so thankful for all librarians for the dedication and extra work they continue to do to keep the public safe during this pandemic. I imagine this will become the "new normal" for libraries all over in an effort to keep their patrons safe from whatever may be next. They are so helpful to all ages of every community. Great post.

ETA: Our libraries have opened up again for the public for one hour "visits" per day. I'm still putting my books on HOLD in order to get in and out quickly and with minimal contact with others.

Since my retina surgery in January, reading ebooks is no longer an option. That eyesight is too diminished to view a screen for long. Having a library close to home has become more and more valuable to me!

Money screams; wealth whispers.

Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

@BirkiLady wrote:
@songbird Each of our libraries hold the returned books/videos/materials for 72 hours (at a minimum) before returning to circulation to avoid spreading the Virus to others. It's an excellent safety measure. I'm so thankful for all librarians for the dedication and extra work they continue to do to keep the public safe during this pandemic. I imagine this will become the "new normal" for libraries all over in an effort to keep their patrons safe from whatever may be next. They are so helpful to all ages of every community. Great post.

ETA: Our libraries have opened up again for the public for one hour "visits" per day. I'm still putting my books on HOLD in order to get in and out quickly and with minimal contact with others.

Since my retina surgery in January, reading ebooks is no longer an option. That eyesight is too diminished to view a screen for long. Having a library close to home has become more and more valuable to me!

@BirkiLady I have optic neuritis and not all the time but often enough it recurs or causes issues that I read on line when I have clear vision but when I don't, I do Audible Books and I do Daily Audio Bible as well. I have enjoyed having adequate hearing but fear that too will diminish over the ensuing years as has happened with my parents & siblings.

icezeus · ‎10-30-2010

Yes, my library does the same thing except they quarantine the books for four days, before checking them in and you are not charged late fees.

Last week they did away with curbside pickup, and went back to their normal library hours. When I go into pick up my books that are on hold, I do have to sign in since they only allow so many people in at once, you are issued an arm band with the time written on it, which I never wear because I am just there for pickup, in and out.

I return books to the metal bins outside.

I check my online account at least once a day.

Catty2 · ‎09-06-2014

Yes, the libraries I use have a sign at the book return that it could take 3-4 days to get your book checked back in and that late fees will not be applied. I am so thankful that they have curbside pickup as I feel lost if I don't have a book to read.