Etiquette for borrowing and lending books

What a story

The tradition of borrowing and lending books goes back to the very beginnings of libraries, cultivating a sense of community and knowledge sharing.

However, to maintain peace and respect in these transactions, certain rules of etiquette must be followed.

This article explores the unspoken rules of borrowing and borrowing books that ensure friendships are maintained and books are handled with care for future readers.

Respect the condition of the book

When you rent a book, treat it as your prized possession.

That means no frayed pages, no notes in the margins, and definitely no returns with a coffee stain that definitely wasn’t there before.

And if, by some unfortunate accident, you did ruin someone’s book, the right thing to do would be to offer to replace it or at least return the money for it.

Timely returns are critical

Always return borrowed books promptly. If you and the lender agree on a specific repayment date, honor that commitment.

If you need more time to finish reading a book, discuss this with your lender well before the due date.

Keeping the book longer than agreed upon without notifying the lender may inconvenience them and potentially damage your relationship.

Ask before you lend

If a friend lent you a book and another wants to borrow it, always check with the original owner before lending it.

The lender may want book come back after you’re done or you’ll feel embarrassed that their books are being distributed without their knowledge.

This way, you ensure that your actions do not harm anyone.

Keep records of loans

For avid readers who regularly assign multiple books, note-taking can be a lifesaver!

A simple notebook or digital spreadsheet detailing who borrowed what and when can save your precious books from being forgotten or lost in the abyss of a friend’s bookshelf.

This way, you can tell your friends about overdue loans without forcing them to remember everything.

Communicate your preferences openly

Before lending a book, please feel free to provide any specific instructions or preferences regarding its care.

And as a borrower, you should always feel free to ask questions about the treatment of special types of books, such as rare editions or autographed copies.

Open communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures that both parties are happy with the terms of the loan.