Now, public libraries are most admirable institutions, but they have one irritating custom. They want their books back.
I'm no different from anybody else. If I don't have a card, I can't check out these books.
I've never gone back to the stacks after my book's expiration at the front of the store. Not because I'm above it or anything, but I'd be mortified if someone caught me looking for my own book.
..you do not leave a library; if you do what it wants you to do, you are taking it with you.
New York's such a wonderful city. Although I was at the library today. The guy was very rude. I said, "I'd like a card." He says, "You have to prove you're a citizen of New York." So I stabbed him.
Call me a schoolmarm, but few things make me angrier than people not taking good care of library materials.
Just handle the books gently and you’ll get along fine.
The three rules of the Librarians of Time and Space are: 1) Silence; 2) Books must be returned by no later than the date shown; and 3) Do not interfere with the nature of causality.
I was always furious because you couldn't take out more than three books in one day. You would go home with your three books and read them and it would still be only five o'clock. The library didn't shut till half past, but you couldn't change the books till the next day.
When I was 10, my father had to go to the local library to sign a release form stating that I was allowed to borrow books from the adult section.
In the dark, with the windows lit and the rows of books glittering, the library is a closed space, a universe of self-serving rules that pretend to replace or translate those of the shapeless universe beyond.
they should let some people into the library by prescription only
There were two free public libraries within walking distance of my home; I remember taking six books home from every visit, the limit set by the library.
I hate libraries for the way they put stickers on things. I don't approve of folding over pages, or of writing in books. God, forget scissors - that's beyond the pale.
I don't write at the library, because I smoke when I work or would like the possibility of a smoke. Also, I need to be at my own desk.
