ATHENS, Ala. — A local Alabama library is taking drastic measures in an effort to recoup roughly $200,000 in lost books.
The Athens-Limestone Public Library over the weekend announced plans to begin enforcing city ordinance 93-1157, which penalizes library cardholders who “fail or refuse to return” books with a fine of up to $100 and a 30-day jail sentence, at the discretion of a municipal judge.
“The taxpayers expect us to protect their investment,” Library Director Paul Laurita told the News Courier. “We make every effort to be good stewards of public funds.”
Ms. Laurita said some patrons have failed to return hundreds of dollars worth of library books and other materials.
“Sometimes we hear, ‘I lent my library card to my cousin,’” she said. “I just want to ask, ‘Would you lend your cousin your credit card? If they go and get $700 worth of clothing and you’re responsible for the bill, would you do that?’ Some may say, ‘It’s just a library book,’ but what if 300 basketballs went missing from the rec center? We’re not doing this for us; we’re doing it for the community.”
The Athens-Limestone Public Library moved into a new 40,000 square foot facility in 2014, and briefly tried to encourage individuals holding long-overdue books to bring them back by offering to forgive their fines.
“Fines over $5 will be forgiven,” Ms. Laurita said at the time. “Owe $25 in fines? Pay $5 and the remaining fines will be waived. You’ve had a library book for 10 years? Bring it back in good condition and your fine will only be $5.”
After that carrot did not work, the library decided to take out the stick.
The local Chief of Police said “it’s been a good long while” since they picked someone up over an overdue library book, but added that they are prepared to do their job if and when the time comes.
(h/t Slate)
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