I just came across this image and absolutely loved it:

I realize the art of reading a hardcover is likely on its way out, but it makes me happy to see the physical book treated with such care and respect. My books are my babies. Each and every one is there for a reason. When I see someone mistreat or mishandle them, I cringe. I have to resist the urge to snatch the innocent victim from the offending hands. When Matthews writes, “I almost fainted,” I empathize with the sentiment completely. It doesn’t seem at all like exaggeration.

And I must admit, I hate lending books out. Ever. To anyone. I know it sounds selfish, but I can’t bear the thought of someone not treating them nicely. Sometimes, it’s impossible to say no. I hate those times. I wish I could avoid them altogether.

To Matthews’s wonderful guide to handling the book, I’d add the following common-sense-seeming tips, that I’ve seen violated uncommonsensically one time too many:

-Don’t eat or drink next to a book

-Don’t touch a book with dirty or wet hands

-Don’t leave a book out in the sun

-Don’t dog-ear pages. Ever ever ever.

-Don’t put a book down unless you know the surface is clean and dry

-Don’t bend back a biding, no matter how much easier it makes it to read the book; it is never necessary

-Always return books you’ve borrowed from someone else. In a timely fashion. Don’t be that person.

-And most important of all, always handle books with love and care. As Ray Bradbury once said, “Books are people.”

Maybe, that’s just me. But if you ever want to borrow one of my books, you’ve been warned.

Thanks, Malorie, for discovering this lovely image!