Most people will say to just let the system do it's thing and not send a PM.  In this situation, I would send one that says this:

Hey XXX!  I'm starting to get a little worried about the book I sent you. I just wanted you to know that I did mail it on the day that it was marked mailed and it should be on it's way to you.  I hope it arrives soon!

Thanks,
Zina

I've sent this PM several times when a book is close to going lost.  Nine times out of ten, the person has forgotten to mark it received and the non-confrontational PM reminded them to do so.  Good luck!

Also keep in mind that if this is indeed an inactive account--meaning, not just that they are on vacation hold, but that they haven't even logged in for a long time--you still get your credit when the book goes lost. If you search the help docs, that tidbit of info is there somewhere.

I think a PM like Christa posted would be just fine.

Cheryl

I also sometimes send that type of PM.  Worded so it is a reassurance that I mailed it and details if I remember them.  They will also be getting several messages from PBS.  There is one the week before and another when the book goes lost.

I know that I have received a PM that asked me to mark a book received when the book has not arrived.  Added to the PBS email, that can really feel like nagging. 

I would appreciate a PM. I have been waiting 2 weeks for a book and have not gotten it ; and I wonder if the sender is worried about that book too.

I would just kindly say something like this:

Hi, I noticed that the book entitled _________ is about to go lost.  I was wondering if you had received it yet?  Please let me know, as I am wondering.

I would not object to a PM like this, although i do realize that some members do get upset over PM's, no matter how kindly they are worded, so tread lightly.  Also, depending on how far you live from the receiver, it could still be in the mail.  And, PBS will send the member an automated PM to remind the member to mark it received.  It is your discretion, but you may want to wait just a bit longer. 

Stephanie,

Sometimes books just take a long time to get to where they are going, even if they were mailed first class. Also, it is vacation season and lots and lots of people are on vacation. I would not worry about your book not being marked yet.

It is OK to PM people when books have not been marked received, but the usual advice is to wait until just before it is about to get marked lost in the mail by PBS. I usually send a PM maybe 2 or 3 days before that day, to ask if the book might have been received.

I think you should wait and see what happens, and if the book still hasn't been marked received by the "go lost" date, I would send a PM at that time.

On your account page.  There is a date on both sent books and ordered books.  That action date is the "lost" date.  It is longer for books going over water, such as AK, HI, and APOs.

USPS estimates arrival before 9/18/2010
Date of system action: 9/19/2010 12:00 AM ET
Please do not contact us before this date.