LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: Please ask your readers to stop writing in library books. I read a lot of fiction, and I’m sure the authors research their material in depth, but they probably do make mistakes in detailing specifics or descriptions of things.
However, if a reader wants to point out those mistakes (including misspellings - it happens), contact the publisher or author directly. In all probability, they are already aware of the “oops,” or, believe it or not, the reader/self-appointed editor may be wrong! Defacing library books is just not the proper thing to do.
- Karen Bridges, Channelview, Texas
DEAR READERS: Here’s another library comment, from Camille, via e-mail. She says: “I read the article about items being set here and there in stores. I am a librarian, and we have a problem with people shelving books in the wrong location. So, we put red tape on shelves on each end to mark where patrons should put books rather than shelve them just any old place. This way, we can take statistics on items browsed and don’t have to search for ‘lost’ items.”
DEAR HELOISE: With the popularity of scarves as accessories, I have found a great solution for storing them instead of folding, rolling or just stuffing them into a dresser drawer. Purchase a few of the five-tier, felt-covered swing-arm hangers for pants. The swing arm can be lifted and brought out to arrange a few scarves on each tier and then returned to the original position and locked in place. With the felt grip, they stay in place without sliding. I also have used the hangers for belts and ties. They work wonders and are easily stored in the closet.
- Cindy, Sunshine, La. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
Style, Pages 32 on 06/29/2010