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Search forSelsdon Library hides the news after crossword and coupon thefts
Sunday, August 03, 2008, 07:00
Staff have taken action after thrifty visitors ruined a host of papers by removing sections of them while no one was looking.
The papers used to be on a shelf for anyone to help themselves to, but now they are kept where they can be safely guarded – behind the counter.
Since the coupon cutting came to light, visitors have to hand over their library cards in exchange for papers.
When they have finished with what they are reading, the edition is then scrutinised for damage, before the customer is handed back their card.
Keen library-goer Bernard Crier found the peculiar rule in place when he went to the library on Tuesday.
He said: “It was very strange. Apparently people have been coming in and cutting out the coupons in the papers.
“I normally buy my own paper, but when I went in I thought I'd have a look at some of the others, but they are now kept behind the counter.
“I asked for them, but then there's the rigmarole of them searching through the paper for ripped out bits and pieces.”
The problem, which it appears has been going on for the past few weeks, does not seem to have affected other libraries.
Mr Crier, from Goldfinch Road, Selsdon, visited New Addington library and found the papers there freely available still – and undamaged.
“It was very degrading and humiliating to have your paper searched,” he said, of his experience in Selsdon.
“I kept thinking 'I hope I didn't accidentally rip anything when I turned the page'!”
The 80-year-old is intrigued by the types of people arming themselves with scissors for their frugal deed.
He said: “Selsdon is one of the richer constituencies in the borough, so I find it quite interesting that people have been going in and taking the money-saving stamps and coupons.
“I would have thought a lot of people who lived here wouldn't have to scrimp and save.”
A council spokesman said that the extreme action was necessary.
She explained: “At Selsdon library, in response to frequent complaints from customers that sections of newspapers such as crosswords were being removed on a regular basis, staff decided to remove the daily newspapers temporarily from open access.
“If a newspaper or magazine is returned with articles cut out, staff would explain to the customer that it is not acceptable to do that as it means other customers cannot read and enjoy that newspaper or magazine.”
NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY: Cheeky visitors have been cutting out coupons and crosswords at Selsdon library Photo No: CCRpm300708-E-04 by Paul Martyniuk
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