left a library book on the train, can I just never go back to the library?

8 comments

1. If nobody else is interested in that book you could just keep renewing it online indefinitely

2. Depends what the book is. If it’s a first folio of Shakespeare they might be a bit concerned. If it’s a cheap, well thumbed Jack Reacher paperback, I don’t think they’ll be too fussed.

3. Well you could just never return.

   But they’ll continue to add late payment fees most likely.

   In theory they could go to court over it but the chances of them doing so are practically zero.

   I assume you like reading though, so probably better to just pay the library the lost item fee and carry on with your life?

4. It depends on the library, it’s usually replacement cost or a standard charge. Many years ago it used to be £17 in Luton library. Either keep renewing or own up asap as you’ll also get late fines. Speak to or email the Librarian and see what the options are.

5. I work in a library. Please don’t do this – we lose so many visitors to this line of thinking it’s crazy. Just tell us you lost the book, if you can’t afford to pay the charge just apologise and tell us that too. If you’re being genuine then you’ll likely find they would rather take pity and waive the charge than have you feeling like you can never use the library again.

6. You could just collect it back from the train company lost property the next time you’re nearby.

7. A few months late – get fined.

   A few decades late – no fine, make headlines

8. At the library I worked at, the replacement was at cost, which was often lower than you’d expect since they get a discount for buying books in bulk, however YMMV.

   I never judged people for having fees or for having lost books and none of my colleagues did either