Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I lend books, I put my address label on the inside cover so I can get my book back. I had loaned a cookbook to a dear older friend. A couple of months later, she passed away. I had forgotten about the book, and her family donated all her books to charity – my book landed in a men’s prison library, and I was contacted by an inmate.

Of course, I had no clue as to who this man was or how he “knew” me. I’m not so sure it is a good idea to put your address label in books. I currently do not put my address labels in my books – just my name – and I record on my calendar who borrowed what book. – A Reader, via e-mail

How scary. This is something to think about when donating books or magazines, so be sure to remove any identifying information.

As for lending books, maybe putting just your first name and last initial is the safest thing to do. – Heloise