Library Books.

Yes we've been using the library of late because I've started listening to audio books. I was an avid user of libraries as a child and I've enjoyed revisiting old habits. Since my recent foray into the audio section and given we both read a lot we've been taking out books as well. My husband mooted to me the other day, given the way this virus is spread, we should go back to buying them for the time being. If libraries close I shall miss my regular visits there, but maybe in such times buying from an actual book shop will be a good thing, even if we are just putting a little bit of money back into the economy, it's not like we can spend going out and about for a while, besides I have one son who works for a major publisher so that's another reason for me.

Could you wear latex gloves whilst handling the library books.
You have a point Calendargirl

If book shops close down, which I think they will end up doing- may I suggest you do what I have been doing and that is buying second hand books on eBay. They have been so cheap- I only buy when p&p is free and the condition has been excellent. If you buy from a company they will tell you the condition of the book. Well worth a look.

Not sure if you ladies are aware but there is a library app called Overdrive which enables you to borrow up to ten books downloaded on to your kindle. The choice can sometimes be a bit limiting but I use it all the time. With some of us having to self isolate maybe useful to some people.

My friend does home library service and is in a quandary as he is rather vulnerable too but can’t bear to think of the housebound people who rely on this so think he’s going to leave books at doors and wipe all books with dettol wipes

Thanks for that Rosepaul

Always wash my hands before I read my library books and after in fact spend loads of time washing my hands throughout the day, but I do think it’s not just library books what about money. Newspapers etc could go on forever

Good idea Ninathenana

I use Borrowbox which has ebooks and listening books. This is via local library service. It also has magazines on line which I don’t find easy to read unfortunately.

Rosepaul I’ve just looked at Overdrive - unfortunately seems nothing at all in my part of country but BorrowBox well supported.

If you have a kindle join amazon's Kindle Unlimited. It is only £8 a month and you get a large range of books to choose from. I have never got past the biographies as there are so many good ones. I think our library will close soon .
I love the magazines I can borrow from our library they come automatically every week or month and I read magazines I would never buy . I can even get a TV listings one.

Just leave all books etc. In a bag for 72 hours , I think that would be plenty of time for any bugs to go. They should be as safe as usual after that.

I am disinfecting my library books with Zoflora disinfectant as soon as I get them home.

I borrow from the library but digital books now, downloaded onto my kindle app on my iPad.

FloraDora thank you for the hint about Kindle Unlimited. I've been wondering how to cope with not being able to go to our local good library. I read two to three books each week, am not much of a TV watcher, so will definitely look into this.

A few months ago I bought 2 charity shop John Grisham books that I couldn't get in Amazon and took them back the same day.
"My my, that was quick" remarked the assistant.
"They're full of cat hairs" said I. Eugh!
I sanitise the books from Amazon which are usually virtually new.
Kindles may be handier, being loaded with several in one place but IMO, nothing beats a proper book.

Although l have never tried this myself, freezing a book will kill off any bugs or insect larvae that may be living within their pages. This was something that the guide told us as we were exploring a National trust property with an extensive libary.

Well we no longer have to worry about this as all our libraries closed to-day . DH rushed down and brought home a strange selection of books but I will never run out of books to read as I have my Kindle . He has my old one but still prefers a proper book .

Floradora

What area of the country are you in?

I still love proper books, but only if they’re not too fat and heavy (The Mirror And The Light is a prime example!) or if the font is very small.

For anything like that, I love my Kindle.

Community run libraries round here are shut now.

Thank you Rosepaul for recommending OverDrive. I’ve signed up and am now reading! I didn’t know of this until it was mentioned on here and I’m most grateful!

Our libraries are now closed too.

Where do those of you live that have had libraries close? I work in a library and we are still open. I am pretty sure that they will close soon but we haven't heard anything yet. We have extended the loan period to six weeks and our borrowers can take out up to 30 books! ( if they can carry them!). I know our regulars are dreading the inevitable as we are a regular and friendly meeting point . We are trying to keep everything as clean as we can. Borrowbox is very good for anyone who is registered as a library user. All you need is your membership number and pin number. Personally, I hate reading off a screen and prefer a proper paper book. I am well stocked up for when we do close.