Library Donations MIA?

I learned a valuable lesson today. One that leaves a strange sadness in my heart. You see, I've always had a great relationship with my local libraries. They were places of refuge for me. My children and I could always find common ground within the stacks and activities the library provided.

For the first time ever, a library has let me down.

I donated 2 copies of The Magic Wakes to my local library back in May. Then life happened and I didn't get a chance to pass through those doors until today. I got excited and went in search of my book on the shelf.

I couldn't find it.

I searched the computer.

Nothing.

Finally I asked someone. And she didn't have any idea. She said they are backed logged, but sometimes they simply move donations to their "for sale" table. At my horrified look she assured me that all proceeds still help the library purchase new books.

I stumbled through an explanation that the 2 I donated were brand new, just released this February. Once she realized they were my books, she said she'd ask the person in charge of cataloging and shelving new books.

Then she disappeared. After another 15 minutes I finally checked out the books for my son and came home.

All this time I envisioned my books on the shelf, grabbing the attention of new readers. I've even told several people they were there. I'm kind of sad now, but hope they will be put on the shelves soon.

This much I do know. I'll become a weekly thorn in their side until they do.

I sure hope they didn't sell my $22 worth of books for $2!