I never thought I’d say this, but…

Screw you, library!

I’ve griped before about how the LA public library system surreptitiously decreased their loan period from three weeks to only two—without notifying the patrons. But this time, I am really annoyed.

I had a craving for rereading Bless Me, Ultima, so I went to the closest library that had it in circulation to check it out. But I was told by the librarian that there is a soft block on my account.

What! My fines were all paid (and those fines were from not knowing about the two-week loan period)! Let me read that book! It took me by surprise. The problem was that my address changed, and they can’t lend books to me unless I verify it with a utility bill.

Well, excuse me for moving, and then wanting to check out one book.

One book! It’s old! It’s not sexy chick lit. It won’t be a movie blockbuster. Its street value is, like, $3!

Ok, I know that the LA public library system is suffering after budget cuts, so I sympathize. They are having trouble with the book collection (only 1.6 books per LA resident is really scary), and librarians are usually underpaid and unthanked. But this isn’t the IRS. Libraries are supposed to be painless. And fun. And exciting when you finally get your hands on a book you’ve wanted to read for, like, ever.

If people want books and they use the library, don’t stop them. The patrons are the library’s best fighting chance of staying alive when there’s no government support. Is there a shortage of books? Have a book drive, and patrons will donate books. Ask for monetary donations, and I’m sure many patrons will give what they can. Need kids/teens programming? Ask for volunteers to give a talk about what they do for a living.

But this is only if the library is there to serve them.

Don’t block me because I happened to change my address. Verify my address a different way. Perhaps with a credit card. Hey, maybe people will pay their fees promptly if they can pay online with a card.

Also, reinstate your three-week loan time. This is the standard. Sure, two weeks can speed things up so people get their books on hold faster. But it’s a hassle. You can’t tell people to read faster. Giving more people a smaller piece of the pie just doesn’t work. I’d rather just buy used books on Amazon and take my time.

At the heart of the matter is the value of books versus the money to pay for them. I love books and I enjoy reading. So, by logic, I love libraries too. But they are going about this the wrong way; what they are doing completely undervalues the notion of books and reading. It’s a big f-you to everyone that loves books. Libraries: how can patrons sympathize and fight for you when you are not serving them?

I’m sad, mad, and I want to read my damn book!