Despite being able to renew books online every once in a while I’ll still have an overdue book. Granted my library has started sending email notices a few days before items are due so that helps. Apparently though some libraries are eliminating fines for overdue books so as to be seen as more customer friendly.

I can understand how you want to keep your customers happy and be more flexible but honestly I say keep the fines. Otherwise, what would compel someone to bring back a book on time if not a fine?

The article points out that libraries are following in the footsteps of Netflix or Blockbuster who’ve eliminated fines. I don’t know about other libraries but mine doesn’t have countless copies of each book.

If I’m eagerly awaiting the next Janet Evanovich book, which already has more than 100 holds at my library, do you think I’ll ever see it? If it weren’t for the due dates I don’t think it’d ever come back to the library.

So what do you think of fines? Too much, not enough, what fines you always turn in your books on time.

This was a good weekend to catch up on my reading and celebrating. Thank you for all the birthday wishes. I celebrated by going to see Friends with Money, eating chocolate mousse cake and opening presents, although I only received one book. Shocker isn’t it? My friend Isabel sent me Canto General by Pablo Neruda.

I did get some beautiful handmade paper and a necklace from my husband and a lovely stationery set from Claire. I wonder if this means I owe her a letter? Hee,hee

Now about the reading I’ve been doing. I read The History of Love by Nicole Krauss over the weekend. I don’t even know how to explain this book right now. I’m still trying to digest it. It was complicated and tangled but ultimately a captivating read.

Unfortunately I can’t say the same for The Night Watch by Sarah Waters, which I was highly anticipating. I think this book suffered as I put it aside to read History of Love and couldn’t get back into it. To top it off it’s now due back at the library. I’ll have to read it another time.

Now I’ve started The Book of Trouble by Ann Marlowe and so far I’m enjoying it. Anyone else do a lot of reading over the weekend?

Sorry for the lack of posts but I’ve been so busy at work and with home matters I haven’t had a chance to post, but enough of that boring stuff, it’s time for cake! Today is my birthday and I wish I could have everyone over for some cake and tamales.

Right now I’m sitting here waiting for my husband so we can go out and celebrate. I’ve already received some great birthday loot. I promise to tell you all about it soon.

For now, I leave you with an excerpt from a favorite poet who was also born on this day.

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

From The Waking by Theodore Roethke.