People who have small or big libraries at home can usually be divided into two categories: those who like to borrow their books and those who don’t.
This is important to know, especially if you’re a casual reader that likes to borrow an occasional book from friend. If they agree to lend you one of their books, make sure they don’t regret it by following the rules below.
Bring it Back on Time
Nobody will expect you to finish a book in two days, and it’s fine if it takes you a little longer than you anticipated, but try to give yourself a realistic deadline and return it in a timely manner.
Don’t Eat Around the Book
It’s easier than you think to spill something on the book as you’re trying to flip the page with one hand and hold the food with the other.
Use a Bookmark
Folding pages to make dog ears is a sign of pure disrespect. Anything can serve as a bookmark – find a receipt in your wallet or use some other paper.
No Writing in the Book
Even if the owner has left comments, you shouldn’t add your own directly in the book. Use a separate notepad for this.
Don’t Read Near Water
Resist the urge to bring the book with you while taking a bath – the risk is just too big.
Don’t Just Ignore the Damage You Made
Mistakes happen, and it’s not the end of the world if you damaged the book somehow. Your friend probably won’t accept it, but at least offer to replace it with a new copy.
Don’t Borrow It to Someone Else
The book was lend to you to read it, and that in no way means that you can borrow it to someone else, especially without asking the owner first.
