Talking Library Fines – Somebody Please Make Me Feel Better
Don’t tell my husband but I have $20 worth of fines on my library card right now. Hey, it would happen to you too if you happened to have five Thomas the Tank Engine DVD’s checked out and all overdue at $1 a day. That’s in addition to the $30 I’ve probably paid this year.
I used to be so organized but I have found that I really have been paying a lot to the library lately. I don’t mind the occasional few dollars because I realized that those overdue fines go straight back into operation costs. But when I’m surpassing $50 bucks and the year is just half over, I’m beginning to wonder what’s wrong with me.
My library does a fantastic job sending me emails and I normally have a place in the house where borrowed books and DVD’s are supposed to be. What are your tricks for making sure you get your library items back on time? Obviously, my system isn’t enough for me lately (my husbands solution is to just not check out movies, which hit us the most). And who has me beat? What’s the largest dollar amount you’ve paid in library fines?
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Category: Bookish Musings & Miscellany
Tags: library
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Hi..I had very similar problems when I was in college.I would check out many books and wouldn’t be able to finish them on time due to course work and as you can guess,library fines.I used to spend lot of my allowance on paying library fines until parents found out
Realising my allowance would be cut I mended my flamboyant ways..I made a policy of issuing only as many books as I am capable of finishing by the due date.That Policy has stayed even after 4yrs.Though I have started earning now , I am careful enough to see that books are completed and returned on time.
on June 11th, 2009 at 6:12 amI keep reminders on my phone and PC..
a dollar a day? that’s a hefty library fine- ours is I think ten or twenty cents per day. The videos are a dollar a day, but I never check them out. I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than five bucks in library fines, so you got me there! I always print out a library receipt and hang it on my fridge. This doesn’t always work. I have to write on my calendar in big letters: LIBRARY BOOKS DUE and then I usually remember to take them back!
on June 11th, 2009 at 6:38 amIn general, if I have a late fine, it has been incurred on purpose. For example, I have one more chapter to read in a book and am willing to pay the quarter or whatever in order to finish what I started. But it is funny you bring this up, as I am suffering from frustration! I rent ALOT of audio books. I have a system…I order the audio, it is delivered to my home, I upload to iTunes, and within a couple of days I return it. Very easy. Well, apparently a recent rental of mine came back missing a disc, and I received a nasty gram from the library. I checked, and that particular disc is not on my iTunes database (I would have freaked out when I got to that disc and couldn’t find it!), so I am quite sure that the disc never entered my home. They tell me if I don’t find it, I will have to pay to replace the whole audio disc set, which is $80!!!! I am infuriated. My husband can never find out about this one! I imagine the library checker failed to catch the missing disc with the last renter, and now I am the accused! Argh!
on June 11th, 2009 at 7:06 amI have a spreadsheet where I keep the details of my review books – when I got them, the pub date, my ‘due date’ for a review. I’ve been keeping my library books and THEIR due date on the same sheet and it is something I constantly look at (and it is a Google document, so I can check it from anywhere), which has kept me from having any fines at all lately. I even include details of how many renewals I’ve done and whether or not the item has any holds on it.
on June 11th, 2009 at 7:06 amI, too, usually don’t mind paying the occasional fine. I’m afraid I don’t have a system, though — this library makes it so I don’t really need one. I can only have six books checked out at a time, and they’re due back in two weeks. I keep the stack of books together, with the library receipt (bearing due date) in one of the ones I’m not reading. That and a mental note is all I (usually) need. I’m clearly not a heavy library user, though.
on June 11th, 2009 at 7:27 amJoin Library Elf! My library has signed up for their services, so it’s free. But even if yours hasn’t, it’s still significantly cheaper than those library finds. I love it because it sends me an email five days before a book a due, three days before a book is due, the day before a book is due, and then the day it is due. My library, on the other hand, sends the email a couple of days after the book is due, which means I’ve already racked up $0.10 per book and $1.00 per DVD per day.
I don’t mind paying the fines every once and a while, especially since I know how much money I would be spending if I bought all the books I’ve checked out the library. But even the $5 I owe right now makes me cringe.
on June 11th, 2009 at 7:30 amWhew $1 day is pretty hefty, but I think that’s for our DVDs too. Our book fines are only maybe 10 cents a day. Since I’ve been going to this library the only fine I’ve had to pay is on an audiobook and it was 50 cents because I just wasn’t paying attention and they don’t call unless you’re a week late. I always keep my library books on the dining room table where I walk by them everyday. That way I always have the date in the back of my mind!
on June 11th, 2009 at 7:30 amI don’t mind paying fines too much. I mean, it’s never fun to hand out money for things that are free, but it’s going to a good cause and I figure I’ve get my money’s worth out of the library.
What I do to help is write when items are due on my calendar which hangs right above my computer so I’m more likely to remember. Of course, I still have fines every now and then. Like when I think I renew something but really didn’t.
Or the time when a library DVD got caught underneath a seat in my car for two weeks before I found it and at my library the fine’s $2 a day! Thankfully, that one miraculously disappeared from their system.
on June 11th, 2009 at 7:36 amA dollar a day is very expensive. Over here, it’s 20 cents a day. The most I’ve paid at one time is probably $50 in overdue fines. That might have been a lost book too.
As a chronic overduer =) I suggest subscribing to Libraryelf.com. For $20 a year Library Elf keeps up with your library books so you don’t have to. It tells you when books are waiting on hold for you, when a book is about to be due soon, and also when a book is overdue. You can try a free trial to see if you like it.
Hope this helps.
on June 11th, 2009 at 8:03 amMy mom had the same solution your husband has. My brother and I were older than your boys by a number of years so we were in charge of remembering when our videos and books were due. When we racked up those $1 fines for video tapes and my mom had to pay them, she decided we couldn’t take them out anymore.
I hate library fines. I know it goes back to the library, but it irks me that I had something for free and then had to pay for it. Maybe I’d feel differently if I was making money right now.
on June 11th, 2009 at 8:18 amI’m afraid that being a librarian predisposes me to never returning items late. I simply can’t do it. I regularly check my account to see the order that things are due in (that’s my reading order) and when they are due. I get angry at my husband when he doesn’t return stuff on time. Of course, it’s easier when you don’t have kids who move your DVDs or books around…
on June 11th, 2009 at 8:42 amFines help pay for incidentals that the library would normally not be able to afford so consider it income for them.
on June 11th, 2009 at 8:48 amWhoa that’s a big fine! That’s a brand new book. I’m super cheap so I try to keep on top of it and rarely have fines. I recently set up a Microsoft Works Calendar with alerts for all book related stuff. That might help. Does the library have a fine cap? Mine does so that you don’t go broke if you’ve really forgotten.
on June 11th, 2009 at 9:01 amI usually keep my books in or near the bright red library bag with the receipt that has the return date.
I just got a notice from the library back in DC, though, that I have $14 in late fines from them that are over a year old. Don’t know what happened, but that was before the wedding and the double move, so I’m not too surprised. That’s still less than I’d spend on a hardback book, though, so I won’t argue with them too much.
on June 11th, 2009 at 9:05 amOoh I had a long reply that got deleted, GRR.
My fees have been over $20 before and I’ve paid at least $40 so far this year. My problem is the videos but the kids like to try new videos so I don’t want to just not check them out either. The main problem is DVD’s have to be back in 3 days. I used to go to library every week so if I didn’t remember to renew those DVDs I had fees. Now that the playgroup in the library is closed (our city is on strike) I haven’t been going much. (It’s not like I’m short on reading materials here)
I make my computer calendar give me reminders to pay renew but don’t always remember to put the reminder in there. Christina’s idea sounds good as the library sending a reminder a few DAYS after it’s racked up fees is stupid. I like Jen’s idea of a spreadsheet for review and library books but I usually forget to enter things into the spreadsheet. I have one I’m supposed to enter in when I finish reading a book but I keep forgetting and then have to go back and guess dates.
on June 11th, 2009 at 9:48 amI’m a spreadsheet geek like Jen. My TBR/ReadSoon spreadsheet includes tracking which books I have requested from which library (I use 2 different county library systems) and when they’re due back.
I also obsessively check my library accounts online so I know when I’m getting close to getting a hold I’ve requested.
on June 11th, 2009 at 11:11 amThe most I have paid at one time is $20 but in years past I have spent $40-$50 a year in fines. Almost all of those fines have been due to overdue DVDs.
on June 11th, 2009 at 11:31 amHave you signed up for Library Elf? I find it’s really helpful. It sends you text messages when items are due and when one of your holds arrives.
The other thing I have found that really helps me is only going to the library one day a week the same day every week. That way you know what day of the week everything is due. I know it can seem hard and unrealistic when that long awaited book finally comes in but I promise it makes it a whole lot easier to remember when to take things back.
Well, I haven’t ever had a fine…yet. I get email updates when my books are due. Except here is another library question. Does your library system have a limit on how many times you can renew a book? Ours won’t let you renew if there is a hold for said book. However, if there isn’t a hold the book can only be renewed twice. I was a little disappointed in this. I mean, if no one else wants it, why shouldn’t I be able to hold onto it for a little longer? Or should I be ashamed for having a book for 3 months. It’s a big book, and I…um…was a little too busy to make time for reading. O.k. I’ll just go find a rock to crawl under.
on June 11th, 2009 at 12:08 pmMy worst fine was $48. THEN someone told me about Library Elf, and I hardly had ANY fines for a year. Sadly, our library is no longer part of the Library Elf system, so I’m back to fines. Yesterday I paid $16. I have no excuses. I am perfectly capable of going online and renewing my books. But somehow I miss it, almost every time. I am hopeless.
on June 11th, 2009 at 12:39 pmI live about a 10-minute walk from my local library, so I’m lucky in that I can just take out a few items at a time. Otherwise, I would certainly be coming home with stacks and probably racking up some hefty fines. As it is, I experience a bit of internal trauma when I have so much as a 5 cent fine. I’m all about the punctuality.
on June 11th, 2009 at 12:48 pmI don’t keep track of my library fines over the course of a year, but I probably pay the price of a book or two in fines each year. It’s well worth it. And there was that one time…
We can check out up to 150 items, and I used to reach that limit regularly when my card was responsible for all the kids’ books, the homeschooling books, and my own reads. Back when our library didn’t notify us via email when books were coming due, there was this one time that I simply forgot to renew. All my books, all 150 of them, were several days overdue by the time the postcard came from the library. I felt sick to my stomach when I realized I had accrued a $78 fine.
The librarian took pity on me and forgave half the fine, so I “only” had to pay $39. Ever since then, my husband renews my books for me online, every 2 weeks.
on June 11th, 2009 at 1:22 pmI racked up about $230 in fines when I was in high school. I am two parts procrastinator, one part scatterbrained, and this combination does not a responsible book borrower make.
I currently have about eight books checked out, and I owe maybe $3 in fines. My best tactic for dodging fees is to renew my books every time I get online to put another book on hold, which is just about constantly.
I get antsy though, when there’s another hold on a book so I can’t renew it. I’m going to have to rush myself to read “Codex” by Lev Grossman in time…
on June 11th, 2009 at 1:29 pmI used to rack up a lot of fees, but I don’t so much anymore. Partly it’s because I can now renew and check my account on-line and partly because I use the library more. Now I go every week – always on Thursday. This means that my books are always due on a Thursday, too. I’ve set up my calendar to remind me every Thursday to either take books back or renew them on-line and now I have a lot fewer fines ;o).
on June 11th, 2009 at 3:22 pmI just had to pay off $40 for my son and I to be able to check out books this summer. And when I check out mine, I rarely have time to read them…
His fines were the highest, and he still has just under $10 left to pay.
on June 11th, 2009 at 4:16 pmOne of my eccentricities is I hate being late, so I don’t have anything to add on the fines. But I will second-third-fourth the suggestions for Library Elf. We absolutely love it. We have all of our family’s library cards listed, so that there is no chance of anyone being surprised.
Have you tried a bigger box? Or maybe your own library system at home where the kids have to talk to the “librarian” to “checkout” the video/book from your special place?
on June 11th, 2009 at 4:27 pmHey Natasha, I’ve suddenly gotten bad about it too! Maybe it was the start of nice weather (which promptly disappeared). Two tips: go online when you think about it and renew everything (does that work for DVDs?). I would sometimes think, “oh, that’s due in two days. I’m sure I’ll get to the library by then” and of course never get there. I’m trying not to just preemptively renew. Also, if you join the Friends of the Library, you get coupons that you can use to cover some fines. I think it’s less than $1 though…Not going to do you much good on those DVD’s.
on June 11th, 2009 at 4:39 pmOops, I meant I’m trying NOW to preemptively renew.
on June 11th, 2009 at 4:40 pmI’ve worked at a library for 2 years, and I wish I could give you some insider advice but from what you’re saying it sounds like you’re doing everything right!
on June 11th, 2009 at 5:08 pmEverybody gets late fees at some point. I could tell you horror stories…maybe look at it this way-if you took those movies out from anywhere else, you would’ve been paying a lot more from rental fees.
I don’t have anything to add to the great advice above (I use the go online and renew method, combined with setting an alarm in iCal), but I have a story that is worse than fines.
I had the threatening library letter to return a book. I just knew I’d returned it. I keep my library books mostly in one place, am a model citizen in my own mind etc. So I went to the library and told them I would not pay the fine because I’d definitely returned the book. They expostulated. I insisted. They demurred. I stayed firm, knowing I had the high moral ground of truth.
When I found the book sandwiched between two magazines a week or so later, I felt sick. I blushed bright red. My baser self wanted to hide it under a rock. But you’ll be pleased to know I took it back and confessed and the librarians were gracious and polite.
It’s made me more careful, that’s for sure!
on June 11th, 2009 at 5:23 pmNow that my kids are all old-ish (14, 19, 27 and 30) I don’t have fines very often..the older ones all drive, have their own cards and its their problem, but when they’re little…well…oh my! A big old stack of kids books, of which you need LOTS of to make the trip to the library worthwhile, can really add up if you,say….leave for a two week vacation, and they’re due the day after you leave and you forget to return them until a week after you get home…not that I’ve EVER done such a thing…perish the thought…I’m much more responsible than that….;o)
on June 11th, 2009 at 6:11 pmI use the slip that says the due date as a bookmark, but actually secretly I like paying library fines because they provide such a great service and it is usually less than the book would have cost anyway. Once my library gets the eBook check out function I am going to be OH so happy.
on June 11th, 2009 at 7:26 pmA ha! This is exactly why I don’t use the library. Because I’ve done such an excellent job of racking up fines and losing books..you name it. I think libraries are wonderful but me and libraries don’t mix well.
on June 11th, 2009 at 7:29 pmMy brother has started only checking books out on my library card because he currently has $50 in fines on his card. There’s a whole big story behind the situation, but let’s just say it really was the library’s fault, but they won’t forgive the fines. I don’t mind paying fines if I’m at fault, but when the books are returned to the library and not checked in, that’s just wrong!
Anyway, my card now gets twice the workout it used to!
on June 11th, 2009 at 8:16 pmThat’s why I rarely check anything out of the library. LOL!
on June 11th, 2009 at 8:35 pmPfff. $20 is nothing. I’ve $40 and $60 fines before. Usually I am really good about keeping track of books and returning them, but when I was working on my thesis and living at home (2 hours away from my university), it was really tough to return books on time.
My library e-mails me on the day my books are due, which is great because then I can just renew them online. Or you could have something like ReminderFox remind you when they’re due.
on June 11th, 2009 at 8:55 pmLet me try this again.
I love the SL County Library system! I don’t have kiddos to check out videos for, so I save myself that $1 a day late fee there, so usually my fees only add up to $1-2.
on June 11th, 2009 at 9:08 pmI’ve always had a problem with deadlines so I sympathize. My biggest piece of advice would be to make a huge, glittery sign saying “LIBRARY BOOKS”, frame it, and put it at the most conspicuous place in your house.
It’s tacky and draws attention and you basically will never forget.
on June 11th, 2009 at 10:05 pmWhen I was in college, I would consistently accrue >$60 fines because I would haul 25 pounds of books back to my dorm/apartment and when my term paper was over didn’t want to lug them all back. Until the next semester, when I had to return them and pay the fine in order to do it all over again with the next term paper. A lot of my generation (born in the 80’s) used online resources (websites and library catalogs) to research, but for me, I loved the library.
What sort of fines does your movie-loving husband get from the video store? Oh, wait, he probably has Netflix.
on June 11th, 2009 at 10:42 pmYeah…I refuse to answer this question on the grounds that it might incriminate me!! I’ve had a couple of hefty fines (ours are $1/day for movies and $.10/day for books. AND it caps out at $4.00/per book.) But when I checked out all of my books AND the kids on one card, there was a particularly bad time when I had movies out….books of all sorts and then we were gone on vacation for 2 weeks. My fines were over $80!
Last month at our library, it was Fine Forgiveness Month. Anything you racked up was just “forgiven”. They do it once a year.
on June 12th, 2009 at 1:33 amI always go to the library every week on the same day for storytime with my little girls, so I usually manage to get everything back on time. The only times I get screwed up are when I get a newer video with a three-day limit, or when I lend someone my library book (bad idea, I know, but I just can’t help myself), and they forget to take it back.
on June 12th, 2009 at 6:14 amOh, and in response to your husband’s solution of “just don’t check out videos”: Tell him to tell that to the person who NEEDS the Thomas the Tank Engine videos, not you. haha
on June 12th, 2009 at 6:16 amI don’t have a solution because I’ve racked up around $60 in fines this year. Mostly because my little girl lost two books. I’ve looked and looked and I have no idea where they went. I even have a specific “library spot” where the books go and they still managed to get lost.
For myself, I have a “library day” every Monday and that is when I bring back books that I’ve read, seen or listened. That is the only thing that keeps me on track.
on June 12th, 2009 at 8:34 amShona – Yeah, I’m so bad. I usually have our holds list maxed out at 20. When I bring home all the books, my husband wants to know how in the world I’ll read them all!
Jeanne – The dollar a day is for videos only. Books are cheaper. But both of my little boys love to get a video every time we go. I don’t think I can break them of the habit.
Sandy – I hate it when stuff like that happens! I’ve had two items that I swore I returned but they never checked them in. Luckily, one was found on the shelf and they took my word for it on the other one.
Jen – I don’t think I could maintain a spreadsheet w/ due dates as it’s already in the library database (but like I said my system not working). But I did set up a form for my review copy books but I find myself not referencing it very often. I really should though.
Word Lily – Six books?! I don’t think I could live where you live! I’m almost maxed out at 30 all the time.
Christina – Hey, I just checked! We do have Library Elf! I love the idea of constant reminders via email instead of just one. I’m seriously going to go sign up.
Kristina – Do you use your dining room table for eating? LOL
Jessica – I wish fines like that would miraculously disappear from the system! Or did you really mean to say that you know how to hack into their system? LOL
Vasilly – Free trial? Does it cost money to use Library Elf? Just found out ours has it. I’m going to go over and sign up.
Meghan – We canceled Netflix so we would save moneybecause our library has a great selection of DVD’s. And then I go and spend it anyways!
on June 12th, 2009 at 12:46 pmMelissa – Love the librarian perspective. Even my husband doesn’t seem to know where our library basket is. I have some retraining to do around here! BTW, which branch do you work at?
Ti – Right. I mentioned I don’t mind paying every once in a while. It just seems that lately, I have a fine EVERY time I go to the library. It’s becoming a very, very bad habit.
Chris – I don’t know if ours has a cap or not. But right now I’m not allowed to renew anything online until I pay off this fine. Which means that I had to return everything that I had checked out.
TexasRed – I’m surprised they didn’t come after you earlier! Especially if they realized that it was a dead account.
Callista – The DVD’s are my problem too! But three days! I’ve got a week. I don’t think I’d be getting Thomas the Tank Engine DVD’s for three days. I’d have to be going to the library all the time!
SuziQOregon – Despite the fact that I obsessively check my account online too, I still manage to rack up the fines.
Queenie – Text messages too? Wow, this whole Library Elf is sounding better every minute.
Amy – We can only renew three times and only if there isn’t another hold for it. Sometimes there will be a single hold but 15 open copies in the system, but it still wouldn’t renew. Usually, I have to go to the desk and they’ll override it. Same for if I’ve maxed out holds and want it again, they’ll reset it at the desk. I think the longest I’ve ever gotten away with have something is 12 weeks. So you’re not alone for wanting it for three months!
Sarah – That’s my thing. I’d be great for so long and then something happens and I get fines all the time. It’s not like avoiding them is brain surgery or anything!
Charley – I can get to my library by car in about five minutes. I even pass it on the way to the grocery store!
Ali – You did not just say 150 items! That’s incredible. Makes my 30 look so puny. Like your experience, I’d have to have them all go overdue!
Nicole – Okay, you’ve totally got me beat. Did they make you pay the whole thing?!
Kristi – When storytime was going (now on break for summer) I’d go every Tue and Thurs. Even then I still manage to get the fines.
on June 12th, 2009 at 2:31 pmDeena – Yeah, I can’t check out or renew until mine are paid down too. I’ve got two holds to pick up, so I’ll be paying up next time I go in.
Infant Bibliophile – I don’t use the city library system, so the coupons wouldn’t work for me. I know sometimes you can donate blood to pay off your fines too.
Terry – I love the idea of playing librarian in your own home! That just might work with my oldest. Thanks for the idea.
Rachel – I’d love to hear horror stories! I bet you’ve got some great ones.
Book Chook – That is hilarious! At least you could admit to your mistake.
Kelly – Nah, that doesn’t sound like something that could happen.
Amy – Just wait until you have kids . . .
Miriam – I always say no the slip. Doesn’t waste paper when it’s online. Using them as a bookmark though is a pretty good idea.
Alyssa – And the thing is, is that they do sometimes get reshelved without being checked in. I found the book on the shelf my library said was never checked in and was still on my account.
Literate Housewife – But I do love my library. I couldn’t do without it.
heidenkind – There’s a plugin for firefox to remind you of stuff? I’m going to have to look into it.
Becky – I’d happily pay $1-2. Easy!
Steph – That’s the best piece of advice that I’ve seen yet. You’re brilliant.
J.T – We used to do netflix, but we canceled because our library has all the new releases! LOL
Stephanie – Wow, I need to tell our library about this fine forgiveness thing. Sounds awesome!
NotNessie – I’ve actually borrowed a library book from somebody else and it haunted me that I wouldn’t return it on time. And our book club does that a lot to. Trades around the library books.
Tracie – The only thing I’ve ever lost was a Thomas the Tank Engine magazine (did I mention my boys love Thomas). Thank goodness it was just a magazine. It was like $4 bucks. A year later and it’s never surfaced.
on June 12th, 2009 at 2:51 pmOh – I feel your pain. I really do. When all the kids were young and still at home (we have 10), keeping up with library books, was a full time job!
on June 12th, 2009 at 8:20 pmI just paid $25, and it was all due to DVDs. My library actually has lots of BluRays, so we keep checking them out. Problem is, you only get a week! A week! I’m hopeless at getting them in on time, so all these tips are so helpful.
on June 13th, 2009 at 6:40 amA dollar a day is steep, isn’t it?! Our library just upped overdue fines from a nickel to a dime. Are you able to renew books online? I would put a post-it note on my computer or have one of those reminder programs pop up a reminder a couple days before the due date.
All this talk reminds me that I need to renew my books tonight!
on June 13th, 2009 at 10:25 pmToday I posted a comment regarding my local library. I live in Omaha and we can download movies online for a 14 day loan with no charge!
I am not an audio book listener but I did download my two ‘credits’ from audible last month and with an upcoming roadtrip I thought I would download an audio book or two.
You might want to see if you have this option, I love not having to leave the house and avoiding the late fees.
I look forward to next weeks challenge, thanks for setting it up!
on June 14th, 2009 at 7:11 amWe have a “system” that I suppose isn’t working because of my failure to enforce it. Library books and movies are supposed to stay in the basket in the front room. I keep finding them elsewhere.
Your library does have hefty fines. Our is $.25 a day per item, with a max of $5. It also usually has a good online holds and renewal system, but it goes down a lot and if you owe more than $3-4 in fines you can’t use it. Frustrating when you just want to renew the book so you don’t get any more fines.
I wish our library would send reminder e-mails when an item is due! That would be so cool.
on June 14th, 2009 at 7:28 pmI feel your pain!
We have a designated spot for library books – out of the car, into the house, and in the basket in the family room … not to be removed from that room until they’re on their way back to the library. It’s hard to enforce, because the kids like to bring the books to their rooms and on car trips, but I tell them they can’t do that with library books.
At age 5 each of my kids got a library card of their own, and was reminded of the overdue fines if a book couldn’t be found when it was time to return it.
That just leaves my books and my 4-yr-old’s on my card, so it’s getting easier for me. I do enforce that they pay the fine if a book isn’t in the designated spot when I do a sweep to return them.
I have all the library reminders (for kids and me) go to my email so I can pull the books from the basket as needed (they give us 2 days notice on reminders)
Good luck … this too shall pass!
on June 15th, 2009 at 10:15 amI’ve been up over the $60 range myself – I was so happy when they started taking debit cards! And I have absolutely no excuse. The library is at block away from my house …
on June 15th, 2009 at 6:36 pmI work for the library, obviously go every day, and still forget to take books back. Obsessively checking my account doesn’t help me remember to put the overdue book with my purse to return the next day and working for the library does not exempt me from fines. Luckily they just dropped the teen fine from .20/day to .05/day. This has helped me considerably! Adult material is still .20 and DVDs are 2.00/day, so I try not to check these out too much. I haven’t had any outrageous fines, luckily, but have probably paid out a lot in little increments over the years. Funnily enough, I think I’ve had more trouble with fines since I began working for the library than before.
on June 16th, 2009 at 5:51 pmI usually put my library books/DVDs/CDs on a little coffeetable near the door to my house so I’ll remember to bring them back.
on June 20th, 2009 at 10:45 amOh, my favorite benefit at work is the fact that I’m exempt from library fines! (Although it makes it hard at my local library system, which isn’t the one I work at. What do you mean I have to return stuff on time?!)
We charge .05/day for kid books, .10 for adult $1 for movies. Kids are capped at $5, adults at $10, movies at purchase price.
You can only renew stuff twice if there isn’t a hold. Honestly, I’m ok with this. After working at an academic library where the staff had unlimited renewals? Many, many, many members of staff had books that had been checked out for decades. They’d have the library order a book that they wanted to own, check it out as soon as it came in and keep renewing it until they retired.
Also, a helpful library hint– if you can’t renew because of a hold, but there are several open copies? Wait a day. Most libraries pull hold books every morning before opening. If you wait a day or two, there’s a good chance the book will have been pulled and trapped for the hold, so then you can renew. If you can’t wait, call the reference desk of a branch with an open copy and explain the situation. They won’t override the hold, they’ll just get their copy and trap the hold, so then you can renew, that way everyone gets what they want!
on June 20th, 2009 at 9:15 pmMy library is very generous with the number of items you can have out (50) and renewals (50) and they just upped the number of holds you can place at one time (10). I’m always somewhere at the upper end of maxing out my library privileges: right now, 50 books out, two of the oldest materials have been renewed 40ish times, 3 books in the hold queue. This may seem crazy to some (Mr. Penny, for one) but I figure there’s no harm, no foul in keeping materials out for a long time as long as no one else places a hold for it. The books I’ve had out for the longest are out-of-print reference-type materials I’ve been using for a blog project. I could swear to you these sat dusty in the lower decks of our library since the ’70s, so I don’t think anyone’s missing them even if I’ve had them for long past a year.
Since I have so much out, I’m very careful about fines. My unofficial system is that I renew all items a week before their due date and whatever comes up with a hold on it that I can’t renew I read and return in that week. So some weeks I’m scrambling to get everything read and will purposefully incur a few fines just to finish them and other weeks nothing’s on hold and I can read freely from the pile. Our loan period is a generous three weeks, so I don’t have to scramble too often, and I let fines collect at $.25 a day until they get to the $5-6 dollar mark. Honestly, fines don’t really bother me much either. I’m with the folks who are happy to pay something for this awesome public good.
Because there’s a different loan period and fine structure ($1.00 a day) for DVDs, they don’t really fit into my renewal system, so I very rarely borrow them from the library (and we have Netflix anyway.)
on June 21st, 2009 at 6:35 am