Ship libraries

[RumRunner01]

Going on Adventure of the Seas for my first cruise May 2 and see they have a library. I enjoy reading while sunbathing and was wondering if ship libraries are "for looks only" or if you can check out books.

Also, do they have contemporary reading material, like current novels and magazines?

Thank you! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Adventure of the Seas 05/02/04

[Toezap]

I'm not sure how great a judge I am on this..they did have one or two books I had read though, when we were on the Explorer. I am pretty sure you can check them out, but I haven't done it myself. I did go in there and sit down and read for a while when my friends were off doing something else. Oh, by the way, I'm fourteen if that helps. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

-Lauren

Grandeur of the Seas-October 2002
Carnival Conquest-March 2003
Explorer of the Seas-October 2003

Future:
Soon to be a Purple Ribbon Cruiser on the Mariner of the Seas-October 3, 2004!

[joto]

They have books of all types there as far as I could see. It is an honor system to check out books. You put the title, your name and cabin # on a check out sheet and there is a returns box to put the books in when you are finished with them.

[mikesteg]

They usually have a decent selection, but nothing current and no magazines (on the ships I've been on). They do have miniature versions of various newspapers. Usually one standard sheet in a very small font.

Mike

[flamingosun]

I was quite pleased with the Mariner's library.
Read a very interesting novel while on board... honor check-out, as mentioned previously. But I DO seem to rememver some sort of note in the book to the effect that it contained some sort of 'encoding' that would let them know if it left the ship. Don't know exactly how that would work... but I can't imagine anyone being so low as to take a book from a ship's library when they disembark.

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[VickiVSN]

Encoding??? Yeah, I'd like to see that. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

I checked out a couple of books my last trip...I also donated the book I came with by leaving it behind there. I found the selection to be pretty good, but I think the earlier in the trip you go the better the selection.

Vicki
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[pcur]

We're big readers on vacation, and we always check out the libraries. We usually find several good books, including recent novels, etc.

Newpapers and magazines are not there, however, except for the news digest newsletter they have everyday.

Most ships have a bin in the library for donations, and you can also browse through those for a book to read. Usually they're paperbacks, because they weigh less for packing.

I always donate my books after I read them. The crew on several cruises has told me the paperbacks go into their library, and they like them. Not only are they entertaining, but it helps with their English.

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[Judy M.]

Rumrunner, the library collection is extensive and varied; you will certainly find plenty of books to help you sunbathe. Also, you might like to spend some time just enjoying the library. It has big cozy chairs overlooking the Promenade, and it's a lovely atmosphere for some quiet time, Although your plan to read while sunbathing is always good too...

Lauren, thanks for your post. It always makes me happy to find someone your age who reads for pleasure. Sorry to reveal my ignorance, but what is a Purple Ribbon Cruiser?

[RumRunner01]

Thank you for the great responses everyone! I was thinking of bringing a paperback or two for travel time and it's nice to know I can also donate those at the end of the trip.

I think I'll not worry about bringing a ton of reading material with me, other than what I bring for the plane. Sounds like I can find plenty to read.

Lauren, I also think it's cool that you enjoy reading! Keep it up! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Adventure of the Seas 05/02/04

[Rala]

A cruise just wouldn't be as enjoyable for me if I didn't have acouple of good "reads" along. I have always been able to find some good books in the ships library! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[Family of 14]

I agree! As far as quiet time in the library...don't count on it! Everytime I have ever been in the library or Internet Cafe (just above the library) there have been people chatting and laughing in the library. Makes it hard to concentrate.

I wonder if the crew would like some books in other languages (their native)? I wouldn't mind buying up a few to leave with them.

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[SeaBaby]

Hi RumRunner01 - we are on the same cruise (see AOS roll call thread).

I love the library too and it is not too bad on AOS, however be sure to get there early for the best selection. Pretty recent hard cover books. No magazines that I remember though. Our last cruise was on AOS and by day 2, the shelves were nearly empty. I noticed people checking out 6 books at a time!

SeaBaby

Adventure (2), Brilliance, Enchantment (3), Monarch (3), Majesty; NEXT UP- Adventure 05/2004, Explorer 09/2004, Empress 01/2005, Jewel 06/2005

[Hoosier Cruiser]

Not sure about the selection in the library; I always have tons of reading to catch up on that I bring with me. And I always leave behind any magazines and paperbacks that I finish while on the cruise. Lightens my load for home and have been told the crew appreciates it as well.

Veracruz 1/84; Meridian 8/97; Sovereign 9/98; Mercury 1/99; Monarch 1/02; Enchantment 8/02; Millennium 10/02; Sensation 5/03; Glory 7/03; Millennium 1/04; Navigator 1/05

[mledet]

Now there's an idea.......why not finish the book you're reading and leave it in the library for future guests?
Cool.

I'm a school library media specialist......does it show?

[joyceyw]

[QUOTE]mledet Now there's an idea.......why not finish the book you're reading and leave it in the library for future guests? [/QUOTE]

[COLOR=DarkOrange][SIZE=2][FONT=Comic Sans MS]That's a great idea, I will do that next time.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR] :)

[AZ Boomer]

[COLOR=Black]Leaving the book will also open up room in your luggage/carry-on for souvenirs.[/COLOR]