We’ve all been there…a friend gets a glimpse of a book on your shelf that ends up going home with them, but never ends up back on your shelf…

There is a certain book lending etiquette that some people surpass, but here are some tips on how to get your books home safely!

  1. Treat it like a library. 

Give them a return date. And while you’re at it create a slip for them. You can even get really professional and get a library kit!

  1. Keep a list. 

If you don’t want to go as far as writing a slip or purchasing a library kit, keep your own list. Sometimes the lenders are the ones who forget, so write it down on a place where you will see it!

  1. Do a lend for lend. 

Trade books! You are more likely to get your book back when you borrow one as well. 

  1. Bookmarks.

If you are someone who cares about the condition in which your book is returned it might be a safe bet to put a bookmark inside to protect your pages! No dog-eared folds around here!

  1. Sticky notes.

If you really want to secure your books home return, put a sticky note on the last page as a reminder for the lender. 

So remember readers! Be courteous to book lenders and vice versa! 

Happy Reading!