OT: Book loaning etiquette

[deborah_r]

If you loaned a book to someone and it experienced some minor trauma while in that person's possession, would you expect that person to buy you a new copy?

Or do you loan it out knowing it might some to some harm?

(I spilled water on it about 10 minutes after the person gave it to me...) It's Child of Mine, so I'm thinking to just buy her a new one and keep the one she gave me since it is a good reference.

[papal]

Yes. That is what i would expect. But then again, i am VERY attached to my books. Why don't you has her if she wants a new copy? Sometimes people did not read/want the book in the first place so a replacement would not be so useful.

[KMommie]

I'm pretty practical, if I can still read it (it's not like your dog or Kai (:)) chewed it apart!) Then, it's fine with me if a book I loan out looks well-loved when I get it back. If I was loaning out a signed first edition, then shame on me for loaning out something that I would freak about getting a little water on it. JMHO of course, it'd be a nice gesture to get a new one.

Jeannie
mommy to Kiki 4/18/03

[suribear]

That happened to me and I bought a new copy for them! In my case, it was a huge book about camping in california and it came apart in chunks :)
Since they are big time campers I knew they would need it.
Kris

[MartiesMom2B]

Call them and tell them what happened and offer to buy a brand new book. Everyone makes mistakes. They might want to keep it despite the trauma.

Sonia
Proud Mommy to Martie 4/6/03

[kristine_elen]

I'd probably buy a new copy for them, but keep the receipt in case when you offer it to them, they say they don't mind just keeping the old one. If you ask if they want you to buy a new copy, they might feel obligated to say, "No, that's OK" even if they want one. I guess it also depends on how close you are to the owner (whether it's a best friend or an aquaintence).

[sntm]

Also depends on the relationship. If i lend a book to my sister, IF i get it back, i should not expect the dust cover to still be there and all the pages will be bent at the corner because she like to play with them when she reads.

I'd buy a new one and offer it to her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
shannon
not-even-pregnant-yet-overachiever
trying-to-conceive :)
PREGNANT! EDD 6/9/03
mama to Jack 6/6/03

[egoldber]

Personally, I never loan out a book and expect to get it back in good shape, if at all. I have learned that the hard way. I now just don't loan a book unless I am OK with not getting it back.

BUT, if I damaged someone else's book, I would tell them, apologize and offer to replace it. If they say, oh please don't bother (and sound sincere), then I would take them at their word. If they seem a little miffed, then run and get a new one! LOL! :)

[Jen in Chicago]

If you think the owner wants it for reference, replace it. If you are not sure, offer to replace it. If she gave it to you b/c she will never use it again, enjoy the copy!

Ficton books I buy I honestly don't care if I ever see them again. I read them once, and am happy if other's get to enjoy them too since I went to the expense of buying it.

Cookbooks are meant to have marks, spots, ... to be loved and to smell like food. Water does not have a scent, but it works. Some would be offended by my cookbooks I guess, but I use them! If I don't use them they have to be donated.

[pritchettzoo]

I'd call her and tell her what happened and tell her you'll replace the book. If she says she wasn't even expecting it to be returned, then you don't have to. Otherwise, you know she wants you to replace the book. It might be easier for her not to have to be the "bad guy" by saying, "Yes, buy me a new book."

Anna
Mama to Gracie (9/16/03)