1. While taking your library book camping with you sounds like a great idea, books do not fare well in hot, humid, moist conditions. It can cause the books to warp. Books will often soak up any liquid or moisture, even that from the air. This is a major reason that the library is air conditioned during the summer (other than librarian's like a cool place to hang out too)! When you add moisture to a book, it can easily pick up mildew and mold spores- eww!
2. What about the beach? Again- water is a big issue but sand also gets everywhere! In the past month, I have had to have several hard cover books recovered at the library due to sand. Sand and books do not mix either.
3. What if the book is left outdoors overnight? Please see above about moist air. Add in any dew and you have one unhappy book.
As librarian's, we want you to enjoy the library's books but think of this....how would you feel if the nice book you are holding in your hands was warped, water damaged, dirty, gritty, sandy, musty smelling and a mess? You probably wouldn't think very highly of the library and you probably wouldn't want to continue borrowing library material.
So please, think before you take your library book places. One great idea- see if your library has a book sale or free shelf! Pick up summer reads there and then you won't have to worry about fines and fees at the library.
