Why care for your books
When you borrow books from the Main Branch, you are borrowing someone else's property. Treating them well keeps them available for the next reader. Here is how to keep your borrowed books in great shape.
Handling your books
- Always wash your hands before reading. Oils and dirt can stain pages and covers.
- Use a bookmark. Do not fold the corners of pages or bend the cover.
- Read in a clean, dry space. Keep food and drinks away from your books to avoid spills and crumbs.
- Do not use pens or highlighters. Use sticky notes for notes if you must mark the text.
Storing books at home
Keep your books on a sturdy shelf. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, near heaters, or in damp areas like basements. Heat and moisture can warp covers and loosen the glue that holds pages together. If you need to set a book down, place it flat with the cover facing up. Never stand books on their heads or lean them at sharp angles.
What to do if a book gets wet
If your book gets wet, do not try to dry it with a hair dryer or in the oven. This can melt the cover and crack the pages. Instead, place a clean paper towel between the pages and let it air dry flat. If the pages stick together, gently separate them as they dry. If you are unsure, bring the book to the circulation desk for advice.
Cleaning and light repairs
Use a soft, dry cloth to dust the cover and spine. For paper pages, a soft eraser can remove pencil marks, but use it gently. Do not try to fix torn pages with tape. Tape damages paper over time and leaves sticky residue. If a page tears, place it in a clean envelope and tell the staff when you return it. We will fix it properly.
Returning your books
Return your books on time so everyone can enjoy them. You can drop them off at the book drop outside the Main Branch, or at any branch. If a book is damaged or missing pages, please tell the staff. We charge a standard damage fee for books that cannot be repaired. Keeping your books safe helps our collection last longer.