Crime & punishmentAlabama public library threatens jail time for borrowers with overdue books

Published 7 September 2016

The Athens-Limestone Public Library in Athens, Alabama, has just about had enough with people who borrow books from the library and then take their time returning them. Accordingly, the library has warned people they could go to jail if they fail to return borrowed books on time.

The Athens-Limestone Public Library in Athens, Alabama, has just about had enough with people who borrow books from the library and then take their time returning them.

Accordingly, the library has warned people they could go to jail if they fail to return borrowed books on time.

“The taxpayers expect us to protect their investment,” Paula Laurita, director of the library. told the News Courier newspaper. “We make every effort to be good stewards of public funds.”

Slate reports that Laurita said the library was trying to recover around $200,000 worth of overdue materials. To make sure it does, the library will from now on enforce a local ordinance that prescribes fines and the possibility of jail time.

Laurita noted that anyone with overdue books will have the chance to return them before the authorities are notified.

The library will first send e-mails and text messages to notify borrowers of their overdue books. If the messages are ignored, a certified letter will be sent, warning they have ten days to hand in their books and pay any fines owed.

WAAY 31reports that if that letter does not prompt the borrower into action, a court summons will be issued. Ignoring the court summons could result in another fine and jail time.

“Sometimes we hear, ‘I lent my library card to my cousin’,” Laurita 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?’” 

She added: “Some may say, ‘It’s just a library book’, but what if 300 basketballs went missing from the recrecation centre? We’re not doing this for us. We’re doing it for the community.”