The book I borrowed is damaged.
Stress 'dan-neg-GIA-to'. 'Prestito' = PRES-ti-to.
Report this immediately at reception if you notice pre-existing damage when borrowing a book, to avoid being held responsible. Also use this if you accidentally damage a borrowed book.
'Danneggiato' = damaged. 'Il libro che ho preso in prestito' = the book I borrowed. Reporting pre-existing damage ('danneggiamento preesistente') protects you from liability. If you damage a library book, report it honestly — Italian libraries typically ask you to replace the book ('sostituire il libro').
Il libro aveva già questo danno quando l'ho preso.
The book already had this damage when I borrowed it.
Explaining pre-existing damage.
Ho accidentalmente versato dell'acqua sul libro.
I accidentally spilled water on the book.
Reporting accidental damage.
Cosa succede se un libro viene danneggiato?
What happens if a book is damaged?
Asking about the policy.
Italian libraries maintain detailed condition records ('stato di conservazione') for their collections. Books in poor condition are 'weeded' ('scarti') and replaced or removed from circulation. Italian librarianship ('biblioteconomia') includes collection management as a core competency, and the condition of the collection reflects on the professionalism of the library.