Skip to content

I hate libraries for the way they put stickers on things…

“I hate libraries for the way they put stickers on things. I don't approve of folding over pages, or of writing in books. God, forget scissors - that's beyond the pale.” quote by Jonathan Lethem
Download Open image
“I hate libraries for the way they put stickers on things. I don't approve of folding over pages, or of writing in books. God, forget scissors - that's beyond the pale.”

Jonathan Lethem

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He objects to physical alterations of books, seeing them as violations of the text’s integrity.

In simple terms: He dislikes marking books.

Key Takeaway

Respect the printed word.

Themes

literature preservation authorship

Mood

defensive analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • library handling
  • personal reading
  • archival work

Key Concepts

material culture censorship bookbinding

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should books be altered for personal use?
  • How balance preservation with engagement?
A Different Perspective

His stance may ignore practical needs for annotation and accessibility.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jonathan Lethem

Explore all 241 Jonathan Lethem quotes

More Book quotes

Browse all 29,378 Book quotes