The Library - For the individual or the community

For all my life, over 62 years, my concept of a library was a sacred holding place of book treasures to be used by all residents of the community, then she came into my life. It was a simple transaction, just returning books. Then she told me.

She wanted to return some of our library books, but some she liked so well she kept them at home and would give us some she did not want any longer. I was in shock. I could not believe this lady wanted to put herself above all other residents of the community. She really believed her personal collection or yard sale was more important than allowing access to the entire community. If as a library and community, we believe the community should have access to those titles, we now have to raise the money to go out and buy them, or find a donor. For most libraries, it would also mean time and expense recataloguing the books. Sorry, I rate this one selfish.