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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsAre you a regular public library patron?
Some folks leave the strangest things inside their books, used as bookmarks, apparently.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2018/may/14/bacon-cheese-slices-and-sawblades-the-strangest-bookmarks-left-at-libraries
japple
(9,773 posts)Many year ago, I found $20 in a book that I checked out of the library. I'm ashamed that I didn't turn it in to the library, but those were very lean times and I kept it to buy groceries.
Ohiogal
(31,669 posts)a Visa receipt inside a library book .... I returned it to the library just in case the patron was missing it.
If the person who left that $20 in your book wasn't more conscientious about it, they must not have needed it all that much.
Dave Starsky
(5,914 posts)The more obscure the book, the better.
Just kind of a funny little surprise for whomever should check out "You and Me, Babe" by Gong Show host Chuck Barris.
mucifer
(23,374 posts)Chicago Books to Women in Prison where I volunteer. We do sometimes find interesting book marks in donated books. But, I haven't seen anything edible.
Runningdawg
(4,496 posts)and I have found some odd things in books. I think an empty condom wrapper takes the prize for me.
A few years ago I got one with $10 and a note saying Merry Christmas. That small act that momentarily restored my faith in humanity and was all the gift I needed. I left the cash in the book for the next person to find.
Aristus
(66,096 posts)I use my self-checkout receipt as a bookmark.
I usually have about 20 books out at a time. We have an excellent library system in NJ where a certain amount of property taxes goes to libraries, so our libraries always have new books. I go to many different locations and check out the new books and sometimes I can keep them up to a month with online renewals. Also, we can get about any book by requesting it online. Then they notify us it's in and we can pick it up at whatever library we specify.
I have a story for you about bookmarks, but I'll have to come back and post it 'cuz I'm working in the garden now, doing my impatiens in the front garden! The story is exactly about odd bookmarks left by patrons.
OriginalGeek
(12,132 posts)- I even remember being remembered by the librarians at my Grandma's library from one summer to the next (i visited her for several weeks every summer even when we lived a thousand miles away) - less regular after graduation but i have always had a valid library card where ever I lived. Then when I found out our local library offered free delivery we got back into the habit of checking out a lot of books but now I've moved again and this county doesn't seem to offer it. Good news though as a local branch is about a mile away from the house. Already got my card but haven't checked anything out yet.
Never found anything good like money or bacon in a book though.
Dave Starsky
(5,914 posts)I particularly enjoy all of their new electronic offerings, including Kindle books and Hoopla for movies and music.
Pro tip: Whenever you move to a new town, as soon as you get a physical address, get a library card. They will cheerfully help you with just about anything you need as you try to adjust to your new environs.
japple
(9,773 posts)group set up for their bi-annual used book sale. We found plenty of bookmarks, but nothing edible or even as useful as a saw blade!
My sister is a retired librarian of 40+ years and said she once found a sliver of bologna used as a bookmark, also a saltine cracker. Too bad these people who use food for bookmarks can't get together--they could have a picnic!
Phentex
(16,330 posts)IN MY HANDWRITING! But it was not my list and contained things I wouldn't buy. Still, it looked like something I'd write. I kept it.
mnhtnbb
(31,320 posts)of the public library for my county. Not a big branch since it is downtown, but I can place a hold on any book in their countywide system and they send me an e-mail when it's arrived. Usually only takes a day or two, unless it's something just printed and popular.
I've never found any money or food in a library book, but someone left a business card in a book I had out last year.
Solly Mack
(90,740 posts)A paycheck back in the day, for example.
R B Garr
(16,920 posts)young child to a parent. (I forget the genders now or the wording) but it was breathtakingly sweet. I took it back to the desk and they agreed that it was worth tracking down the previous library patron to return it. Im sure that family was happy to get that gem back!