Sometimes
you come across a news story and think it belongs in the satirical Onion or as a witty news segment on Saturday Night Live. But when I read about a
27-year-old Michigan mother of five facing up to 93 days in jail and a $500
fine after failing to return a pair of library books, I was just floored.
Sure,
libraries have to encourage people to return books, pay overdue fees or
replacement costs for lost books, but they can’t come off as crazy. Just because she took out two books – and
took two years to return them – doesn’t mean she should go to jail.
But
there’s a warrant out for her arrest.
Sadly,
she said she never received the library overdue notices because she was
repeatedly moving while trying to get out of an abusive relationship.
As a
result of the criminal charge, her employer suspended her. That also is ridiculous.
Why
the library did not send it to collections or small claims court is a bit odd.
It’s a sad story either way.
Libraries can’t become abused or ignored by their patrons, but they should not criminalize those who return books late.
Libraries can’t become abused or ignored by their patrons, but they should not criminalize those who return books late.
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