“For him that stealeth, or borroweth and returneth not, this book from its owner, let it change into a serpent in his hand & rend him. Let him be struck with palsy, & all his members blasted. Let him languish in pain crying aloud for mercy, & let there be no surcease to his agony till he sing in dissolution. Let bookworms gnaw his entrails in token of the Worm that dieth not, & when at last he goeth to his final punishment, let the flames of Hell consume him forever.”-From a sign posted over the library doors of a 16th century monastery in Barcelona Spain.
is the blog of an Orthodox Christian and is published under the spiritual patronage of St. John of San Francisco. Topics likely to be discussed include matters relating to Orthodoxy as well as other religious confessions, politics, economics, social issues, current events or anything else which interests me. © 2006-2024
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Libraries & Thieves
There is something mildly sacred about a library. And the idea of stealing from one or vandalizing books there is just deeply offensive to me. During a recent visit to my local library I noticed a sign reminding patrons that it was a misdemeanor offense to steal or vandalize library property (presumably including books). This being wholly inadequate I sought out a more formidable deterrent or failing deterrence, sanction, for the sacrilege of stealing from a library. After a brief search I believe I have found a more appropriate sign which I will pass to our local librarian at the next opportunity.
Hear, hear! It fascinates me that people at university imagine that it is ok on any level to underline, write in the margins or otherwise mark a book that is common property and meant to be used by hundreds of others. I wish more libraries put up notices telling people how to treat a library book - I think we may be witnessing a generation of people who have absolutely no idea.
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