Frederic Melton
The internet was recently alarmed by a tweet from the University of Liverpool Library's official account, which included an image of a slice of cheese that had been used as a bookmark. The tweet, which has since gone viral, sparked a debate about the use of unconventional items, especially food items, as bookmarks. While some people found the incident amusing, others were outraged, with one person even calling it a hate crime towards books. This incident is not an isolated one, as librarians from across the world have reported finding strange items like bacon, Chex Mix, and Vitamin Water being used as bookmarks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 2020-01-21 |
| Location | University of Liverpool Library |
| Type of cheese | American cheese |
| Condition of cheese | Stale, discoloured, oily, aged |
| Packaging | Wrapped in plastic |
| Reactions | Shock, humour, disgust |
| Similar incidents | Bacon, bread, fish, condoms |
| Twitter engagement | 100,000 likes and retweets |
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What You'll Learn
Libraries shame cheese bookmark users on Twitter
In a recent incident, the University of Liverpool Library shamed a patron on Twitter for using a slice of cheese as a bookmark. The library's original tweet, which included a photo of the cheese in question, was captioned "This is not a bookmark". The cheese, described as "disconcertingly warm and liquid", was found somewhere between the American history and geography sections of the library.
The library's social media team followed up with a series of tweets, joking about the incident and its implications. One tweet read: "Me talking to the pest control man - 'No mate I've no idea why we have mice in the library' *Picks up a book and actual cheese falls out of it*". The lighthearted tweets sparked a conversation about the use of unconventional bookmarks, with some people sharing their own surprising discoveries, including a used condom and a slice of fried bacon.
The University of Liverpool Library is not the only institution to deal with unusual bookmarks. Librarians across the world have reported finding various strange items pressed into service, including bacon, saw blades, and even a used condom. In response to the cheese bookmark incident, one librarian from Washington DC took to Twitter to plead with patrons to stop using cheese as bookmarks, offering free bookmarks or alternative suggestions such as receipts.
While the use of cheese as a bookmark may seem unusual, it has sparked creative responses from the Twitter community, including a competition for the best cheesy pun and a discussion about what constitutes a bookmark. The University of Liverpool Library acknowledged the lighthearted nature of the incident, thanking Twitter users for their "cheesy puns and the philosophical discussion about what cheese is and what bookmarks are".
This incident serves as a reminder that while bookmarks can be creative, it is important to consider the potential consequences for the books and libraries we love.
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Food items as bookmarks can ruin pages
While it may be tempting to use whatever is at hand as a bookmark, food items are not a good option. This is a lesson that was learned by a student at the University of Liverpool, who used a slice of cheese as a bookmark and was duly shamed by the university library on Twitter. The slice of cheese, described as "disconcertingly warm and liquid", was found somewhere between American history and geography.
The library's tweet sparked a discussion about the use of food items as bookmarks, with many people agreeing that it is unacceptable. Food items can ruin the pages of a book by leaving stains or residue, and they can also attract pests such as mice.
There are many alternative options for marking one's place in a book that do not run the risk of causing damage. Traditional bookmarks are one option, and if you don't have one of those to hand, a small slip of paper, a train or plane ticket, a playing card, or a dollar bill can all do the trick. For those who don't mind marking their books, dog-earing a page or using a piece of paper to mark a specific line or word can be a good solution.
It is worth noting that some people are opposed to any form of page-folding, even dog-earing, as it can be seen as damaging the book. In these cases, it is best to use a thin, durable piece of paper or a bookmark that fits over the corner of the page without slipping or causing damage.
So, while it may be tempting to use a handy snack as a bookmark, it is best to remember that food items can ruin pages and should be avoided.
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Pest control issues caused by cheese bookmarks
While bookmarks are usually made of paper, cardboard, or fabric, some people have resorted to using cheese slices as placeholders in books. This unusual practice has sparked various reactions on social media, with some considering it a "hate crime against books." One particular incident at the University of Liverpool Library brought the issue of cheese bookmarks to the forefront. The library shared a photo of a discolored, plastic-wrapped slice of cheese, captioned, "This is not a bookmark."
Beyond the concerns of book preservation and hygiene, the use of cheese as a bookmark can lead to pest control issues. The University of Liverpool Library incident highlights this problem, as the library staff jokingly discussed their mouse infestation with a pest control man, unaware that a book marked with cheese was the likely culprit.
Cheese, being a dairy product, can spoil and attract pests such as mice or rats. Rodents are known to have a strong sense of smell and are easily lured by the scent of food, especially cheese, which is high in fat and protein. Mice, in particular, have a keen interest in cheese due to its appealing odour and taste. They are also adept at gnawing through various materials, including paper and cardboard, to access food sources.
In addition to rodents, cheese can also attract insects, specifically mites. Cheese mites, or Acarus siro mites, are microscopic creatures that are naturally drawn to the damp and cool environment of cheese-aging chambers. They infest cooked, pressed cheeses, burrowing into the crust and moving toward the softer centre. While these mites are intentionally introduced to certain specialty cheeses to enhance flavour and texture, they can become a pest issue when they infest other cheeses. Mites can be distributed by attaching themselves to clothing or a person's body and then infesting stored cheese. They can also be carried by air currents, easily finding their way into cheese storage areas.
To prevent pest control issues caused by cheese bookmarks, it is essential to refrain from using perishable food items as placeholders in books. Proper pest management strategies should be implemented, including regular cleaning and maintenance of library or storage facilities, to deter rodents and insects. Utilizing conventional bookmarks or page markers can help avoid damage to books and ensure a more pleasant reading experience without the unwanted attention of pests.
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Librarians' pleas to stop using cheese as bookmarks
Librarians are pleading with borrowers to stop using cheese as a bookmark. While it may seem like a harmless idea, using cheese as a bookmark can cause several problems. Firstly, it can attract pests such as mice, which can damage books and other library materials. Secondly, cheese can spoil and stain the pages of a book, rendering it unusable. In addition, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to dairy products, and the presence of cheese in a library could trigger an allergic reaction.
The issue of cheese bookmarks came to light in 2020 when the University of Liverpool Library in England shared a photo on Twitter of a slice of American cheese that had been used as a bookmark. The cheese was described as "disconcertingly warm and liquid" and was found somewhere between the American history and geography sections. The tweet sparked a lively discussion online, with many people expressing their dismay and disbelief at the use of cheese as a bookmark. Some even called it a "hate crime against books."
Washington DC librarian Anna Holmes has also experienced the issue of cheese bookmarks, reporting three separate incidents at her branch. In a plea on Twitter, Holmes begged patrons to stop using cheese as bookmarks, offering free alternatives such as actual bookmarks or receipts. Other librarians have shared similar stories, with one retired librarian recalling finding a slice of fried bacon tucked into a returned book.
The use of cheese as a bookmark may seem like a harmless joke or a quirky habit, but it can have serious consequences for libraries and their patrons. Not only does it create a potential health hazard and attract pests, but it also shows a lack of respect for books and the library as a shared community resource. Librarians are already faced with the challenge of preserving books and ensuring they are returned in good condition. Cheese bookmarks only add to this challenge, creating an unnecessary burden for library staff.
So, the next time you're tempted to use a slice of cheese to mark your place in a book, remember the pleas of librarians and opt for an actual bookmark instead. Your local library, and your fellow book lovers, will thank you.
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Twitter users' reactions to the cheese bookmark incident
Twitter users had a field day when the University of Liverpool Library's Twitter account posted a picture of a slice of cheese that was found in one of their books. The tweet was captioned, "This is not a bookmark", and it quickly went viral, receiving over 20,000 shares and 35,000 retweets.
The library's social media managers kept the momentum going by joking about the incident in follow-up tweets. They posted a montage of some of the tabloid attention that the incident received and wrote, "Thank you for all the cheesy puns and the philosophical discussion about what cheese is and what bookmarks are. It’s been a strange few days but it shows libraries are the best!" They also challenged their followers to come up with some cheesy puns, promising to send the cheese slice to the winner.
Many Twitter users and other university libraries joined in on the fun, cracking jokes about the incident. One user joked, "Oh that’s where I left my cheese!" Another user shared a similar experience, saying, "I found a piece of ham in a returned library book once and cigarette butts used as bookmarks when I worked in a public library branch." Some users even shared stories of finding food items like Chex Mix, Vitamin Water, Gushers fruit snacks, and chicken inside books.
The incident sparked a discussion about what constitutes a bookmark, with some users expressing outrage at the idea of using food as a bookmark. One user commented, "I can’t find a single piece of paper in my vicinity, nor can I dog ear this page, let me bookmark it with this random piece of cheese that I am carrying around." Another user called it a "hate crime towards books".
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not normal. While some people have used cheese as a bookmark, it is not a good idea as it can ruin the book and attract pests.
Other strange items that have been used as bookmarks include bacon, a used condom, Chex Mix, Vitamin Water, Gushers fruit snacks, and chicken.
Using cheese as a bookmark is considered unacceptable because it is a perishable item that can spoil the book and leave stains or grease marks.
Alternative items that can be used as bookmarks include receipts, hairbands, paper, or actual bookmarks, which libraries often provide for free.
The use of cheese as a bookmark has been met with a range of reactions, from humour and puns to outrage and disgust. Some people have even called it a "hate crime towards books".
