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Yes, months went by and I just kept renewing. The book ended up at the bottom of my "box-o-junk" in the car. I'm pretty sure it had been there since the summer. And, no, I never did get to reading the final page of that book. You wouldn't believe all the numbers you had to gather to determine your net-worth (too much trouble). Besides, saving money is like weight-loss, if you spend less, you'll save more; it's that simple. Why do we complicate the basics? I digress, again...I thought it was time to get the book back to its original home and, perhaps, into the hands of another good-intentioned
I checked my library account today and found a $20 fine!
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| Where my can is parked during the summer months. |
Librarian: Well, if you received the book in this condition, all you have to do is say so and we'll drop the fine.
Me: Well, it was so long ago, I can't really say for sure.
Librarian: But, all you need to do is tell me you received the book in this condition and we'll drop the fine. (leading the witness)
Me: Well, I can't do that because I can't remember. Besides, I'm an honest and truthful person. This I know: I did not expose that book to water. This I also know: the library searched their deepest, dark crevices to pull-out this book from who knows where to get it for me. It's distinctly possible it was in this condition when I received it, but I don't know for sure?
Librarian: Well, do you want to say you received it like this or don't you?
During this time I'm looking up the book title on Amazon (I'm a multi-tasker) and I find out the book is only $10!
Me: Can't I just buy you guys the book for $10? That's half the fine and fair considering I'm not exactly sure I'm responsible.
Librarian: So, if that's the case, I'll only fine you $15.
Me: $15 is not $10.
Librarian: $5 processing fee.
Me: FINE! I guess I have to pay better attention when I receive the book in the first place!
Librarian: Have a nice day. Oh, and you can't take out any more books until you pay the fine. Your account is blocked for fines exceeding $10.
Me: Mmph. Panic ensues.
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| I'm still in love with the library! |
So, sometimes you get screwed for being honest. 6 little words and I would have been off the hook; "I received it in that condition," is all it would have taken, you see, to wipe the slate clean. But, is my value system, my path to the Pearly Gates worth a lousy $15? NO! So, I paid the fine and righted it in my mind as a donation to the library (we've got the best one around, with the best people there, too).
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The irony of it all has me in stitches. However, I may be the only one under this roof in a giggle. It's OK Super Hubby, I'm not doin' time for the "alleged" crime!
Have any library injustices you'd like to share?
6 comments:
Love, love, love! Sorry you had to pay a fine, but loved how you handled it. I'll have to tell you some of my crazy book fine stories over a cup of coffee - they are rare but like your precious money-saving/costing book episode, ironic as well. Art books that were painted in, poetry books that had more poetry in them than they should have, cook books with tell-tale stains of baking...even a few animal books that Rocket chewed on. ;)
I love your blog. Love, love, love you.
xoxomichele
Principles trump blood pressure.
Tip o' the hat.
SH
It occurred to me late last night as I was laying in bed that my ironic misfortunes were not injustices, as yours was. Sometimes I return books and they aren't checked in properly at the library, and I'll get a notice that a book is overdue that I know I've returned. So I have to find them on the bookshelves, bring them to the librarian and have her check them in. Half the time I'm panicked I won't find the book, that on top of it not being checked in correctly, it will be misshelved (I hope that is a word). :)
xomichele
Michele, looks like your experience is quite common. My friend, Christa, wrote almost the same story you did, word for word, on my Facebook page. She, too, has to find it on the shelf to "prove" she has returned it. My fear...what if you don't find it on the shelf - Eeek!
I currently have GoT's A Clash of Kings checked out, and the first thirty pages or so came detached from the book shortly after I checked it out. I didn't cause it. The spine was already wearing out, and the book had been water damage. (The fact that a previous borrower returned it as such is noted inside on the title page.) I don't know if I should try to fix it or fess up that it came that way. I'm afraid they will be awfully suspicious since I have renewed it twice!
I worked at a library my first year in college, and I can't tell you the number of times that folks would try to get out of fines--they clearly had kept the book for themselves and wanted to get out of the $65+ fines they owed! And then there were honest folks like you who were willing to do whatever needed to be done to clear their records and conscience while supporting the library. :)
Ashley, the truth is always the best route. I'd tell them about how you did receive the book in that condition and when the spine came loose, you just wanted to keep it and finish the book before returning. You're an honest person, and the library probably can already see that. So, honesty is the best policy. If they still hold you accountable, then do what I did, consider it a donation to a great place. Of all the items I get at the library, I have saved a pretty penny, that's for sure! Good luck!
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