I used to have no problem lending out my books! But that was back in middle school and high school when the vast majority of my book budget came from my parents (thanks guys!).
Today, because I pay for all my own books, I’m much more hesitant. I have also had really bad luck letting other people borrow my books… which has made me realize that I no longer want to risk lending them out at all.
Why, you may ask? Here are 5 reasons why.
5 Reasons Why I Won’t Lend Out Books
Far too many book lending horror stories
You may remember the post I made a few weeks ago called “My Book Lending Horror Stories.” While I have forgiven each of these people, the stories will unfortunately still stick in my mind.
I have too many darn allergies
It’s so not fun to pick up a book from the library only to realize I cannot finish it because it has given me an allergic reaction. This had happened more times that I can count. The worst situation was when I checked out Invisible Monsters Remix by Chuck Palahniuk… This one smelled so strongly of cigarette smoke that I had an asthma attack just a few seconds after opening the book. So risking a book coming back to me that I spent my money on, but can no longer read because I will have a reaction to it, isn’t a risk I’m willing to take anymore.
Risk of damage
My bookshelves are small, but I pride myself with my little collection. Part of this pride comes from treating my books well and only purchasing the books I know I will read again and again. Don’t get me wrong, many of my books have clearly been very well loved. But I know all the wear and tear on them is from me. It’s always such a bummer to lend a book just to have it returned in worse condition.
Books that cannot be replaced
Similar to my last point, I really care a lot about my first editions and signed copies. While I’m not an intense book collector by any means, I do have many books that just cannot be replaced. I will not lend these out to anyone.
I just don’t trust people
When it all comes down to it, the main reason why I don’t lend out books is because I just don’t trust people. No matter how many times someone promises that the book will be returned to me in the same condition, I just can’t believe them. What makes this worse is that I have discovered how rare it is for someone who accidentally messes up a loaned book to, 1) apologize, and 2) offer to replace it. It’s just not worth the stress.
Thanks for reading!
What are some reasons why you wouldn’t loan out a book?
I don't do it because I'm scared of dog ears, food stains or that I'll never see the book again.
Only exceptions are my boyfriends mother and sister. Booklovers just like me.
It's even kinda hard for me to put my children's books in my classroom library. But the kids are pretty careful with the books, so I still do it 🙂
Ugh, it's such a struggle!! I want to let a few of my reading friends to borrow my books, but I just can't. My mom is my only exception. 🙂
I completely understand all your reasons. It's sad that many people feel like they can't lend out books because others have no respect for other people's property. While I might dog ear my own books or break the spines, I would NEVER do that to a book that's not mine – whether borrowed from someone or the library.
I'm the exact same! I have no problem highlighting, marking, or dog earring the ones I own but would never treat a borrowed book like that.
Friends and I will generally trade books around, but only if they're ones we don't expect back! 🙂
That's a good idea! 🙂
I don't lend my books unless they are also book lovers and would handle them with care. I have lost a few books earlier before I took this decision. 🙁
Gayathri @ Musings Over Nothing
It's SO frustrating!!
I just can't trust people to take care of my lovely books. I've thought about getting a deposit before letting people borrow books. At least I can use that money to buy a replacement when the book is inevitably destroyed or lost…LOL!
I totally hear you! haha that is definitely a great idea! 🙂
All very good reasons not to lend your books! I am very picky about who I will loan my books out to. I've been burned too many times.
It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to you book collection, that's for sure!
I couldn't agree more with all of this post! Seriously the fear of book damage is crippliing.
I wouldn't dream of damaging a friend's book but you know not everyone feels that way.
I can't even dog-ear my pages muhahah!
Great Post Erica!
Cody @ Literary-ly Obsessed
Wouldn't it be incredible if people could just take care of things that aren't theirs?! Oye!
Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
These are all valid reasons. My main reason for not lending out books is I don't know anyone in real life who values books as much as me who I would trust not to ruin it in some way. I've lent books out and they've gone missing or returned back bent and damaged. I can only trust myself at this point. I might be open to lending a book out to a fellow book blogger, but I'd be very choosy.
I totally agree!! I would have to know the book blogger on a personal level as well. For example, I would need to know whether they had a cat or not, since I am allergic. Even if they treated the book incredibly carefully, there's no way to prevent dander and hair from getting stuck in the book.
"I just don't trust people."
Same. People who don't understand us book people don't deserve to borrow our books.
RIGHT?!