Anybody ever wrongly accused of anything?!

Anonymous

While trying to check out some books at the library, I was told we had a charge for total damage to a book.  I protested, but was basically told, "nope, you did it."  The book was warped and trashed to begin with.  The even more frustrating part was that the librarians were telling me, "we would never check out a book in that condition," when one of the librarians had just checked out a book to me a moment before that was falling apart at the seams!  I'm so FRUSTRATED!!!!  I felt so attacked! 

 Anyone else ever have that happen?!  

Love and prayers, Deb

Anonymous

Deb...Nothing in particular stands out in mind, but I wanted to express my empathy anyway. It really IS frustrating and sometimes embarassing to be wrongfully accused. Just remember that it takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy world and some of them feel the need to control and 'fix' everything by finding blame. You just happened to encounter one of those folks. Try to forget it. YOU know that you respect borrowed property and wouldn't destroy it!

~Marin

LefthandedAmazon

This has happened to me, and get this, ladies-- I work for a small school district in Texas, and one of my duties is a Librarian Aide! 

We see this all the time, and for the most part, no, books do not go out like that if we can stop it. However, broken spines are a way of life as far as books go, but being warped isn't.  You should hear some of the excuses from the students when damaged books come in. I could almost write a book.

The most appalling thing is that you are NOT a child, and if you had damaged the book, you would have 'fessed up and paid for the darn thing.  So, as far as I am concerned, two strikes against the librarian...one for saying "oh yes, you did", and another for just plain not listening.  How rude of them!!

The tip I can give you is to quickly check any book before you check it out.  If it is damaged, point it out to the clerk right away.  She'll ask you if you really, really want it (if she's good at her job, that is), and if you say, "yes, I must have it....won't sleep tonight if I can't have it"...then notes should be taken on the book, and maybe a signature taken from you to release you of any responsibility.

That's what we do.

Hugs. Back to house work!

juanita63

Not me, but my son.  We buy what is called a plac card which lets us go to any library in Indiana for a year.  At one library he accidentally checked out 2 copies of 1 book.  Only 1 was checked back in when turned in, and they didn't catch it until someone else was trying to check out the second copy that had not been checked in.  But they still wanted him to pay a fine for the days it was on the shelf.  And then last winter, when we had snow and our county was under a snow emergency, we could not get out and were seeing the libraries listed as closed on tv.  We had some stuff due and even though they were closed they said it was still our responsibility to get it in the drop box when it was due.  HELLO, how when they weren't open and we were snowed in.  I think sometimes they just don't use common sense.

Anonymous

Thanks for the responses, dear sisters!  Update: I sent a letter to the library board of trustees regarding the horrid experience I had, and I received a letter back saying that they are going to re-evaluate that branch for consistency of policy, implement customer service refreshers at a mandatory meeting this month, and that the head of that branch has been notified regarding behavior of her staff.  I got a formal apology, and the fines (which I never deserved!) have been removed! 

Power to the people!  (Debbie shakes a triumphant fist in the air!)

Love and prayers, Deb

EachDay

Too many times to count, starting from when I was in elementary school.  Someone in line was talking (the girl behind me) and the teacher on duty assumed it was me and made me get out of line.  Whenever it happened after wards, a wrong assumption or accusation, I'd become indignant and upset.  For some reason now I don't care.  I don't hold a grudge against the person who accused me or the person who was actually at fault.  And if it happens now I'll just be sanguine and let it go.  I've learned how little it really matters.  That's not just breast cancer...that's age

Anonymous

I cannot delete so I will edit.

Anonymous

I cannot delete so I will edit.

Everynight,

aka Cheri