Your Library card is a Credit Card!
By raychill
@raychill (6525)
United States
June 5, 2007 4:24pm CST
How many of you use your public library system? Do you treat your Library card with the same respect as your credit card? Do you think it deserves the respect of a credit card?
I work for the library and there isn't a single day that goes by that I am amazed by the calls and emails we get from people upset about something happening to their credit because of a library card.
Your library card may be free and it may not cost any money to borrow from the library, but if you don't return the books or you return them late...the money adds up and yes, the library can affect your credit just like a credit card you never pay off!
Will you treat your library card with respect?
2 people like this
2 responses
@jmcafam (2890)
• United States
5 Jun 07
My sister was actually telling about bad library credit can affect you credit history. I had no idea until she said this and you pretty much confirming. I do have to say though I do take care of my card and the books borrowed. But there have been times I end up with fees I know I did not acquire. I know this because I don't check certain things out and I only go on certain days. I still end up having to pay for something I did not ever check out. Which is putting me off from going to the library.
2 people like this
@raychill (6525)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Being that I work for one, I can fully admit that we screw up on our part too. However, we work with patrons a lot to solve problems like these. If a customer is in very good standing with us, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt even if we don't think we were wrong. we'll cut deals and so on.
It is an unfortunate thing, but what are we supposed to do when no one returns books?
I'm glad you do take care of your card. Do you go to the same branch all the time? Does your library allow you to check your account online? If you get familiar with certain staff or keep an eye on your account you can keep on top of any problems and have a person who is willing to back you up when you have these problems.
@raychill (6525)
• United States
5 Jun 07
It's always good to hear. I don't know if all libraries do this, I know that mine does. I know that our collection agency works only with libraries and has a decent clientele. It is so frustrating and upsetting sometimes to hear from all of this people who try to buy a house and see that their credit score has been lowered because of a bad library account. I think people don't respect the library like they should. I guess, I never did before I worked there either but it's good to know some do!
