Bookmarks, Part I

Not all of us are able to read an entire book, cover to cover, in one sitting.  When that happens, unless we have incredible recall, it's probably common for us to mark the page we're reading so we can find our place again.  Normally this is achieved with a bookmark of some sort, whether it's made from paper, metal, or ribbon.

Another way of bookmarking, which is frowned upon in libraries, is dog-earring a page.  If you're unfamiliar with dog-earring (and I hope you are), the practice involves taking the top corner of a book page and folding it over to allow you to find the place where you left off.  Although it may be convenient to do if you lack a proper bookmark, it does damage books. 

Lately in our library we have found an alarming number of books being returned to us with dog-eared pages.  Some of these books are old while some are new.  Regardless, all library books should be kept in good condition for future borrowers to enjoy.  You wouldn't want to check out a book that's been misused and abused, would you?

Please take care of library books.  If you need to keep your reading place, we have plenty of paper bookmarks that are environment-friendly, reusable, and absolutely free!  You can't beat a deal like that!  And if, perchance, you happen to forget our wonderful bookmarks, please, PLEASE don't dog-ear the book.  Put something between the pages as long as it's not sticky, icky, or inky (I'll discuss this more another time).

Yours truly, trying to save one book at a time from the perch.