Rude picture used as a bookmark in a library book? WWYD

[curlgirl]

I checked out What Your Fifth Grader Needs to know from my library.  My 12 year old was reading it and handed me a picture she had found in it.  The woman was sitting on a bathroom counter in a thong bikini with her legs not together.   :scared:   What do I do with the picture?   Do I just throw it away?  Is there any point in taking it in to the library?  I know the librarians well and had no intention of storming in there screaming but should I show them what was in the book or just throw it out?  I just have no idea.  And yes I caught the irony of a less than fully clothed woman in the book what your fifth grader needs to know.... :svengo:

 

[Thia7278]

I'd bring it back and show them.  They can see who had that book out last.

[AlmiraGulch]

I'd bring it back and show them.  They can see who had that book out last.

 

For what purpose?  It may be distasteful, but it wasn't porn.  What are they going to do?  Give her stern looks the next time she's there?

[Lara in Colo]

Toss it--- this is price we pay for having a community library-- sharing with the community

[mom2bee]

I would first ask nonchalantly about whether or not my librarians could trace who had a book before me. If they could, I would mention that I'd find a highly inappropriate picture stored in the book. Honestly, I can't imagine what telling would do. It would be unrealistic and even a little unfair to expect them to flip through the pages of each--or even most, or any worthwhile percentage of the--books to ascertain whether or not anything is in the pages.

 

Much more realistic for the patrons to quickly flip through the pages of a book to be sure that there isn't anything there.

 

If they can NOT see who had the book before me, I would definitely keep it to myself.

 

Plus, there is no 100% guarantee that the last person to check the book out PLACED that picture there. Anyone can walk up to and handle the books at a library.

 

 

[Guest submarines]

Toss it. What's the big deal. 

[marbel]

I would just throw it away.   Nothing the librarian can do about it.

 

That reminds me - my daughter went through a period of leaving little homemade bookmarks in library books.  Nothing inappropriate; she was probably about 8.  :) 

[nmoira]

I'd bring it back and show them.  They can see who had that book out last.

 

In our system no record is kept once the book is checked back in. 

 

I'd just toss it.

[Trish]

Tell him that's how women are empowering themselves these days, a la Miley Cyrus?

 

:huh:

[Miss Tick]

. Honestly, I can't imagine what telling would do. It would be unrealistic and even a little unfair to expect them to flip through the pages of each--or even most, or any worthwhile percentage of the--books to ascertain whether or not anything is in the pages.

 

Our library does just this, flips through every book as part of check-in. Generally they are looking for damage. I've always thought it seemed like overkill, but perhaps not.

[Arcadia]

 

Plus, there is no 100% guarantee that the last person to check the book out PLACED that picture there. Anyone can walk up to and handle the books at a library.

:iagree:

I'll just toss it.  My kids have unintentionally left bookmarks while reading books in the library.

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

Toss it and move on. It wasn't illegal.

[Harriet Vane]

Just toss. It's a public library. Books are used by the public. Stuff like this happens.

[mom2bee]

Our library does just this, flips through every book as part of check-in. Generally they are looking for damage. I've always thought it seemed like overkill, but perhaps not.

 

Yeah, I meant like...page through the book. Carefully turning each page or something like that. My library also does like a "quick flip" for most of the books, but yeah.

 

I read the original post to fast--(sorry, I'm doing homework for a math class, sitting in a computer programming class and checking the WTM boards. Somethings gotta give, maybe I should drop a class) I thought it was in a book targeted to 5yo. If this was for a 5th grader, than yeah...If it isn't porn and merely distasteful, there isn't much the library can do or be expected to do. Plus we still can't say the last borrower inserted the picture into that book.

 

I would simply toss it.

[Dandelion]

Yep, toss it.  There's really no point in talking to the librarians about it.  I find stuff in library books all the time (scraps of paper, receipts, flyers, etc.).  

[nmoira]

Yep, toss it.  There's really no point in talking to the librarians about it.  I find stuff in library books all the time (scraps of paper, receipts, flyers, etc.).  

 

I keep all the photographs we find, since there's no way to trace them back. We use them as bookmarks.

 

No thongs yet. :)

 

ETA: Except one... it was very old and we turned it in to lost and found in case the owner missed it. It was never picked up. :(

[Zebra]

I have run across many specific political bookmarks over the years at my library.   It's the same thing every time and someone is obviously doing it on purpose.   I just toss them, because no matter what my beliefs are, it's wrong and annoying to leave stuff like that in books on purpose.   At my library they don't keep a record of who took what book out last.   My DH went in one time trying to figure out the name of a book he had returned, and they told him they couldn't look out what books he had taken out in the past because of privacy issues.   So, there is nothing the librarians can do about it.  They also maybe can flip through every book, but you are bound to miss things, and people can go stick things in books when they are browsing the shelves.  

 

If you are that concerned about it, I think your only option is to flip through every book before you let your dd have it.

[Dandelion]

I keep all the photographs we find, since there's no way to trace them back. We use them as bookmarks.

 

No thongs yet. :)

 

The OP must frequent a library with much more interesting patrons than mine.  I have yet to find any soft porn in my library books.   ;)

[LaCEmom]

I'd let the librarian know, just as an FYI. I've heard of people slipping pornographic pictures in kids books at public libraries as a sick joke. I know this wasn't the same thing since it wasn't exactly porn and wasn't exactly a kid's book, but I'd still want to give the librarian a heads up. Whether they can or choose to do anything about it is their choice, but at least that way I'd feel like I'd done what I could.

[Dandelion]

I don't think our library keeps records on previous check-outs either.  I was looking for that information last year (I thought it would be a handy way to keep track of books we were reading as part of our homeschool), but the info wasn't available. 

[Zebra]

This is actually a book about items left in books....

 

http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Bookmarks-Booksellers-Collection-Between/dp/0399537015

[Dandelion]

This is actually a book about items left in books....

 

http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Bookmarks-Booksellers-Collection-Between/dp/0399537015

 

What an interesting topic for a book!  Have you read it?  The description sounds intriguing. 

[LaCEmom]

They do that here too. But how do we know this didn't happen after it was put back on the shelf? It wouldn't take much for some weirdo to take a book off a shelf and slip a weird picture in it. You can't be sure it was from the person who checked it out last. I would be pretty bent out of shape to be accused of something like that.

Yes, but mentioning it to the librarian isn't the same thing as accusing the last person who checked it out. The OP is going to have to go back to the library anyway. I guess I just don't see the harm in mentioning it.

[Zebra]

What an interesting topic for a book!  Have you read it?  The description sounds intriguing. 

I believe I checked it out, and it was more boring than I expected :lol: .   

[curlgirl]

The OP must frequent a library with much more interesting patrons than mine.  I have yet to find any soft porn in my library books.   ;)

 

Right. :)  It's a small town of about 8,000 people.  Apparently it is more interesting than I ever thought.  :lol:

[curlgirl]

I would just throw it away.   Nothing the librarian can do about it.

 

That reminds me - my daughter went through a period of leaving little homemade bookmarks in library books.  Nothing inappropriate; she was probably about 8.  :)

 

Now that would be a welcome surprise. How sweet. :)

[Dandelion]

I believe I checked it out, and it was more boring than I expected :lol: .   

 

That's too bad.  Seems like a topic with potential.  Guess I'll pass, and just stick to constructing my own stories about what I find in the books I check out.    :tongue_smilie:

[curlgirl]

I'd let the librarian know, just as an FYI. I've heard of people slipping pornographic pictures in kids books at public libraries as a sick joke. I know this wasn't the same thing since it wasn't exactly porn and wasn't exactly a kid's book, but I'd still want to give the librarian a heads up. Whether they can or choose to do anything about it is their choice, but at least that way I'd feel like I'd done what I could.

 

Thank you.  I was not looking to cause trouble or accuse anyone.  I just wondered if there was something I should do with it as opposed to throwing it out.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

The most interesting thing I've found in a book is the receipt from (assuming) the last person.

 

ETA: I'd love to find interesting things in books, I'd start a scrapbook. Lol

[curlgirl]

The most interesting thing I've found in a book is the receipt from (assuming) the last person.

 

ETA: I'd love to find interesting things in books, I'd start a scrapbook. Lol

Well if it's not illegal,  I can dig it out of the trash and send it you. Lol.  I think a scrap book is a lovely idea but up to now if I had one on that theme all I would have would be a couple of squashed bugs.   :)

[Cosmos]

This is actually a book about items left in books....

 

http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Bookmarks-Booksellers-Collection-Between/dp/0399537015

 

Our library has display cases with ever-changing collections. (In the spring, they display the projects from the local Waldorf school and make me feel like an arts and crafts loser every time.) Once they made a display of "library lost and found" from their own collection of items found over the years in books. It was quite interesting.

 

I often use MTG cards as bookmarks because they are small and sturdy and my dh and ds have a lot of them. I never really thought about it before, but some of the pictures are a little out there, with gruesome monsters or voluptuous super-hero types. I don't think I've ever left one in a library book, but I wonder if someone might be offended by them in a children's book. They reference spells and curses too. Guess I should be careful!

[Belacqua]

I can't remember the last time I had to purchase a bookmark, as I have quite a collection of ones I've found in library books. Nothing risque, though. Mostly animal-themed, come to think of it (my favorite being a mnemonic to remember the different kinds of salmon).

 

I vote toss it. It doesn't seem intentional.

[ThisIsTheDay]

I'd bring it back and show them.  They can see who had that book out last.

 

They probably can't.  To protect the privacy of patrons, most libraries do not keep records that are accessible this way.

 

I work at a library. If you were my patron and called me, I'd tell you to toss it.  Normal procedure at my library when personal bookmarks or photos are found is to display them at the circulation desk until they are claimed.  That would not be the case here!

 

Far more interesting than what is left in books is what is left behind at the public computers.  Personal court papers, drivers licenses, nude photos of a local policeman.  More than you want to ever know, really.  :laugh:

[Mrs Mungo]

Toss it--- this is price we pay for having a community library-- sharing with the community

 

I agree.

[Mrs Mungo]

 

I often use MTG cards as bookmarks because they are small and sturdy and my dh and ds have a lot of them. I never really thought about it before, but some of the pictures are a little out there, with gruesome monsters or voluptuous super-hero types. I don't think I've ever left one in a library book, but I wonder if someone might be offended by them in a children's book. They reference spells and curses too. Guess I should be careful!

 

A little off topic, but have you seen this site?

http://magiccardswithgooglyeyes.tumblr.com

 

 

My kids think it is HILARIOUS. 

[Cosmos]

A little off topic, but have you seen this site?

http://magiccardswithgooglyeyes.tumblr.com

 

 

My kids think it is HILARIOUS. 

 

I will pass it on. ;)

 

[Tammi K]

I'd bring it back and show them.  They can see who had that book out last.

 

To what purpose? Just because Person X was the last to check out the book in no way means that was the last person to handle the book. If it was on the shelf, anyone could have picked it up and put the picture inside.

 

OP, throw it away and move on.

[Pretty in Pink]

Toss it. No biggie.

[unsinkable]

I would take it to the libary and ask the librarians what they think about it.

 

Ask them what to do if you find one again.

 

 

[curlgirl]

They probably can't.  To protect the privacy of patrons, most libraries do not keep records that are accessible this way.

 

I work at a library. If you were my patron and called me, I'd tell you to toss it.  Normal procedure at my library when personal bookmarks or photos are found is to display them at the circulation desk until they are claimed.  That would not be the case here!

 

Far more interesting than what is left in books is what is left behind at the public computers.  Personal court papers, drivers licenses, nude photos of a local policeman.  More than you want to ever know, really.  :laugh:

Yikes!  I cannot imagine displaying that one.  :lol:

[Flowing Brook]

I'd just throw it away.  There is nothing the librarian can do about it. Someone probably did it as a prank.  The less attention the get for doing it the less likely they are to do it again. Assuming the librarian can find the person in the first place. 

[Trish]

Thank you.  I was not looking to cause trouble or accuse anyone.  I just wondered if there was something I should do with it as opposed to throwing it out.

 

I can't think of a lot of options.

 

Lamination? A ritualistic burning? Pin it to the library bulletin board with a "tsk tsk" caption?

 

I remember getting a book years ago that had a list of Spanish swear words as a bookmark. I shared these with my highschool Spanish class but not the teacher.

[nmoira]

I can't think of a lot of options.

 

Lamination? A ritualistic burning? Pin it to the library bulletin board with a "tsk tsk" caption?

 

A once-over with a sharpie? :tongue_smilie:  I'd go full bush or granny pants with lace trim.

[skeeterbug]

I'm surprised how many of your libraries don't keep track of what books you've checked out. I can log in to my account and see every book I've ever checked out, and every book I've reserved since I started using this library four years ago. It's a long list. :D

 

Especially useful if I'm trying to remember a book title that we've previously checked out. Sometimes I can't find a book in their system that I am sure I've checked out before and yep, it's in my history but no longer available (lost or sold, I guess).

[ThisIsTheDay]

I'm surprised how many of your libraries don't keep track of what books you've checked out. I can log in to my account and see every book I've ever checked out, and every book I've reserved since I started using this library four years ago. It's a long list. :D

 

Especially useful if I'm trying to remember a book title that we've previously checked out. Sometimes I can't find a book in their system that I am sure I've checked out before and yep, it's in my history but no longer available (lost or sold, I guess).

 

From my understanding, this is different. The library cannot go in to see what you've checked out unless they log in as you (which would be prohibited).  (My library currently does not have software that is this current.)

 

For your own privacy, you do not want the library to track your borrowing.  I believe it goes back to this case, Tattered Cover Bookstore v. Thornton; at least that was when I first heard of it. After that decision (in favor of the bookstore), bookstores and libraries began taking steps to protect their patrons and making it impossible to track purchases even if such information were successfully subpoenaed.

 

And while an individual might not care if the library tracks their books, for the good of the country as a whole, it's a terrible, invasive, and frankly dangerous practice.  It's none of the government's business what people read, and let's face it--you can't trust the government, no matter where you live.   :patriot:

[Χά�ων]

Frame it and leave it at the library in the lost and found box.

[marbel]

I'm surprised how many of your libraries don't keep track of what books you've checked out. I can log in to my account and see every book I've ever checked out, and every book I've reserved since I started using this library four years ago. It's a long list. :D

 

Especially useful if I'm trying to remember a book title that we've previously checked out. Sometimes I can't find a book in their system that I am sure I've checked out before and yep, it's in my history but no longer available (lost or sold, I guess).

 

Our library system allows patrons the option of keeping a "reading history" on our account.  I do that. But I don't believe the library can see it.  I don't know why they'd want or need to keep that information, anyway, once the book has been returned. 

 

I imagine they know how many times and how often a book is checked out, but not by whom.

 

(In my case, it's not really a reading history but a checkout history, as I actually read a small fraction of the books I check out.)

[skeeterbug]

Hmmm...good point...I've never asked if the librarians can see my history, I have no idea if they can or not. I'll have to ask next time I go in.

[QueenCat]

I'd toss it.

[Parrothead]

Round file it.