My library visit this weekend was a bit of a bust. I went to pick up a hold and was thinking I’d browse the new book shelves but I saw that the new books shelves were reduced to a small section. It seems that the “holds” section has overpowered the new books. What?
When I went to check out I asked the librarian and she must have been having a bad day because all she said was, “I guess all the new books are checked out.” I wanted to point out that no, they just moved the new books to another much smaller area. Oh well, it’s not like I need to browse new books at the library as I have so many books to be read but it was just a bit of a bummer to see that and to get that response. Maybe I’ll just find another library to go visit as I do have a couple of other branches somewhat near me.
So all I got was my hold, The Temptation of Forgiveness by Donna Leon. I won’t be making it to my September book group meeting but this is the book we’re discussing in October. I figure I might as well as get it now and be ready. I’ve read several of the Commissario Brunetti books and really like the main character so I’m looking forward to seeing what case the Commissario will be involved with in this installment.
I noticed there’s a wonderful map on the end papers (what’s up with the library sticker though?) but I also was surprised to read that this is the 27th installment. Yikes. The last book I read in this series was #5 so I guess I’m way behind. Now I really wonder what’s in store for me when I read this book.
Anyway, hope you all had a great weekend! Let me know if you’ve picked up anything at the library recently.
Who puts a sticker in the middle of a map like that??? You’d think they’d know enough to put it in the corner where it’s not covering anything… grrr! Two library fails in one visit. Very disappointing.
I’ve never read the Brunetti series, but have the first one on my kindle. My librarian says I’ll love it 😉
OK, shall I address the library stuff a bit…ha! First of all, the hold amount for physical materials increased from 5 to 7. Each branch had to figure out how they were going to make space for the extra holds. Not sure which branch you go to, but the one I use and volunteer at is bursting with holds. Many, many people are taking advantage of that new perk. As to the sticker-well, I’m thinking you mean the RFID tag in the back cover – square white thing? I suspect that the company that prepares the books for the shelves did that. The library staff actually does very little to the books (covers, labels, etc.). They come that way in the new book boxes. And yes, it’s annoying when they cover a map with a sticker. Those RFID tags have to be in a certain spot though in order for the check-outs to happen properly. Sigh. Technology is nice, but often a big pain. And as to new books, we have now entered the time of year where the new books will get to be scarce for a while. It’s the timing of the library fiscal year and when they can buy books and when they can’t. Yes, I am a font of knowledge about the Austin Public Library – ha!!!
I hate when my library makes changes like that. But to only check out one book while you’re there? I’m impressed. I never manage to do that. 🙂
That’s strange about the smaller section for new books. We were at the library last weekend to find a book we returned, but which I’d received notice we had overdue. I know it happens, but it’s the third time in as many months. Finding books for my daughter used to be easy, but now that she has to read certain books that fall at a certain reading level for school credit, it has become a bit of a scavenger hunt. There is no list, and so I’m having to look up each book we consider individually. I am not limiting my daughter to the books that fit the school’s requirements, but since she has to read so many points worth, we have to focus a lot on those that do fit in the criteria. We have so many books at home though that fit already, so that has helped a lot. Anyhow, I don’t know why I told you all that. LOL I hope you have a great week.
Yes, I’ve noticed the holds section is getting more popular even in where I am and it’s always for new books. Nowadays I’ll find myself very lucky if I’m able to borrow books that I want. And they charge about S$1.50 for one book per hold and there are readers who are willing to pay for this purpose.
I’d be annoyed by that sticker on the map, too. Now I’ve a better understanding and why they do it thanks to Kay’s explanation. 😊
I bet that processing clerk was having a really bad day and got a kick out of blacking out a tiny portion of the map beneath that tag. Aw, it’s no fun hating your job.
That’s a bummer of a response to get when you asked a question. I love browsing new books, but our library does have a huge holds section too. It’s tough to manage all that, I assume.