quicko: libraries

Or, to be more accurate, cleverly disguised bookshops that don't let you keep your purchases.

I already knew books were way pricier here, but it turns out getting a book is a whole lot more complicated than you'd think. First, you have to find a library that lends them. (No, the State Library of New South Wales does not.) Second, you have to establish residency. (Thank goodness for that paycheck I kept in my purse.) Third, you have to pay (!! free public library!?) $15 -- before they close the cash register for the evening, which is 15 minutes earlier than they close the rest of the place. Then, when you're finally all official, you have to get a copy of the book you want. But if, say, it's popular and they only have 8 copies, well, you might get to be number 23 on the waiting list -- for two out of the three books you want, though for the third you might get to be number 19. Oh, and then before you leave, they might casually mention that you'll have to pay a dollar for each book you take you -- because you've placed a hold. The notice will come in the mail. Snail mail.

So now someone might be paying $18 to borrow three books. Perhaps someone should have just bought them on Amazon when she had the chance.