Keywords
Citation
Fitzsimons, E. (1999), "Overdues", The Bottom Line, Vol. 12 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/bl.1999.17012dab.008
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Overdues
Overdues
Keywords: Library users, Crime
Once again, a borrower who failed to return his books on time almost was sent to jail. Robin Aletras checked out two books in December from the Sevier County (Tenn.) Library System last December. However, the books came from the statewide Tennessee Lending Center, which was going to bill the library close to $210. The library in turn issued a warrant for Aletras' arrest. Aletras returned the books, paid a $30 late fee, and was told the warrant could not be dropped until he paid a litigation tax. Since he had no cash when he approached the authorities, he was taken to jail and issued a misdemeanor citation. He said he did not receive the overdue notice because his house had burned down. Aletras plans to change his ways, however. From now on he will purchase books – "I'm afraid to check anything out right now."
In Wichita Kansas, Cheryl Cooper was arrested for failing to appear in court to return a book due at the Haysville (Kans.) Community Library in December 1997. She was subsequently fined $10 in municipal court and also ordered to pay $27 in court costs and $5.80 in book fines. Haysville turns overdue notices over to the police. Cooper, after posting $100 in bail, remarked that the book "wasn't worth $100, but it was a good book."
Eileen Fitzsimons is Development Editor, Neal-Schuman Publishers, New York, NY.