Bitchin' Blog Posts
What Books Would You Go To Jail For?
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | August 26, 2008 | Tuesday at 11:29 am | 68 CommentsHere’s a story that might bring out the most virulent argument this site has seen yet: a woman was arrested for failing to return two books to the library for over a year.
Somewhere, a librarian just stood up and cheered. As someone who always wants the book that someone else won’t return, I hear you, librarian, I hear you.
But handcuffs? Wow:
[Heidi] Dalibor did not respond to four notices from the library, two phone calls and two letters. The library forwarded the case to police, who issued a citation for Dalibor’s failure to return the materials or pay the fine. The citation included a court date, which Dalibor admits she ignored.
Which books? White Oleander and Angels & Demons.
Seriously?
Julia, who forwarded me the link, asked, “What books would you go to jail for? What about the SBTB readers? Are there books you’d go to prison over?”
I honestly have to say that in this specific circumstance, I’d give the library back its book and buy my own damn copy, because Dalibor looks kind of like, no, wait, exactly like an asshole for saying, “I still have the books and I don’t plan to return them because they’re paid for now.”
But are there books I’d go to jail before giving up? Sure. Are the police at the door? Crap, I better go look.
Filed: General Bitching, The Link-O-Lator
Tagged: make the burning stop, librarians
rebyj said on 08.26.08 at 12:09 PM • [link]
There are so many copies of those two books out there that at my local used bookstore a hardback copy cost about .75 cents lol.
I quit using the library because it takes so long to get new releases. The waiting lists , since this is a big city , usually run in the 100’s. Ferget it!
“What books would you go to jail for?” None! although I would spend a good percent of the months grocery/ gas money on one LOL!
Lindz said on 08.26.08 at 12:14 PM • [link]
“Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov, hands down.
Kaffy said on 08.26.08 at 12:21 PM • [link]
Hmm… I’m with you, I’d just buy the damn books. Then again, our library system blocks your card once a book is… five weeks overdue, I think, and I couldn’t go without my library books (I read far too much to be able to afford to buy everything I read), so I’d never be in this situation.
Books that I’d put my freedom on the line for? The Bible (which seems a bit ridiculous, because it preaches against law-breaking in the main), and The Bone People by Keri Hulme. But I already own them both, so it really isn’t an issue.
Nora Roberts said on 08.26.08 at 12:58 PM • [link]
~Which books? White Oleander and Angels & Demons.
Seriously?~
You just make me laugh!
Sam said on 08.26.08 at 01:46 PM • [link]
I don’t think there is any book I will go to jail for. I work in a library and am the person who gets to take books out of the system once they don’t come back after 6 months. I think a lot of people think we enjoy sticking it to people as far as fines go, but we really get nothing from it. When I say that I take out books never returned I don’t mean a few here and there- we lose hundreds every year. There is no way we can keep replacing lost books plus get new ones. Taking care of overdues takes up time I could be cataloging a shiny new book instead.
Eunice said on 08.26.08 at 01:59 PM • [link]
The closest I ever came to anything like this was when a library book was stolen from me. You know what I did? I stepped up and paid for the book.
“The citation included a court date, which Dalibor admits she ignored.”
I mean seriously, when it gets to the point where the police are involved you’d think they’d step back and go, ‘Hmm, is it really worth it?’ They’re not even hard to find out of print books. Some people are just stupid.
Would I ever go to jail for a book? Not under these kinds of circumstances! (Maybe for something based on principles, or beliefs, but this is just a new level of A-holery)
Iasmin said on 08.26.08 at 02:09 PM • [link]
I’d go to jail to protest any book being burned or censored, but I have more respect for the library system than to keep books past their due date by anything other than sheer accident. (Of course at one point I was getting so many books through interlibrary loan that the library had me on their speed dial….)
theo said on 08.26.08 at 02:14 PM • [link]
I don’t use the local library anymore on principle, because of the Stephen Hawking book they said I’d never returned, which I had, and found on their shelf two months later (and yes, it was the same tired copy with the same tear on the frontispiece) and pointed out to them that all their threatening letters and exorbitant fines were for naught. Someone evidently hadn’t checked it in right or was too embarrassed when they did to take me off the overdue list. They couldn’t even bother to say “Sorry”. So the indifferent attitudes go both ways and I know not all librarians are like that!
Certainly I’ve paid for books my girls lost when they were little. Rather that than teach them reading isn’t worth it. But this woman is supposed to be an adult. What happened to responsibility? Oh, wait…that infers intelligence…
lizziebee said on 08.26.08 at 02:31 PM • [link]
Seriously? She hadn’t heard of renewing them? I’ve renewed a book off an on for the better part of a YEAR now (it’s a craft book - and not quite a year yet) and have had to return it once, but managed to get it out 2 weeks & 1 day later.
Also, that’s all the notice the library gave her? 4 notices, 2 phone calls and 2 letters??? Over an ENTIRE YEAR?!?!?!!? That’s bloody terrible recall by the library. I’d love to see them try and do this to a little old lady who had a couple of racy Mills & Boons out, but ended up going into hospital and dying before she could return them. (Just to be morbid…)
Joanne said on 08.26.08 at 02:32 PM • [link]
Dalibor did not get arrested because of a book, she was arrested because she stole the books. She wasted the time & money & resources of her community.
The shame is hers and it’s obvious she still doesn’t ‘get it’.... and I would love to be “judge for a day” on cases like these—- there would be some very shiney public bathrooms in town.
Deb said on 08.26.08 at 02:42 PM • [link]
I don’t think I’d go to jail for any book - but I am a librarian and generally don’t have trouble waiting my turn for books on waiting lists and returning what I check out.
I would like to point out that she didn’t get arrested for not returning the books - she was arrested for failing to appear in court when she was ordered. I don’t think the police care about two library books - but they do care when someone doesn’t show up in court when they’re supposed to.
Elizabeth Wadsworth said on 08.26.08 at 02:43 PM • [link]
I’m with Sarah on this one—if I want the book that badly I’ll just get my own copy. I’ll admit, though, there are a couple of hard-to-find, out-of-print volumes that I’ve been strongly tempted to “lose”...
Darlene Marshall said on 08.26.08 at 03:04 PM • [link]
I have no sympathy for this woman. When she became a library patron she entered into a contract where she understood that books are due back at the library by a certain date, or the patron is responsible for their replacement.
The public library in the United States belongs to all of its users. Just as the library has an obligation to keep materials available, patrons have an obligation to return the library materials so that others can have access to them.
I’m on our local library foundation board and as a writer of historical romance, I couldn’t survive without my public library and ILL (inter-library loan). I’m not sure I’d go to jail for any one book, but I think I would be willing to go to jail for the library.
robinjn said on 08.26.08 at 03:10 PM • [link]
Okay. I admit it. I’m one of those people that librarians the world over despise. I sometimes don’t return books, sometimes for a long, long time. Many reasons, not one of them any more than an lame excuse. It’s just one of my failings as a person.
Our local library will freeze your card after, I think, six weeks. But if you do bring the books back at ANY time, you do not have to pay a fine. Which is why I have always eventually returned every book (and have paid for a couple that I haven’t been able to find). I actually love that about our library, the willingness to completely forgive. And I think it helps people actually get the books back. Even if it’s a long time (she says guiltily).
Right now with the economy the way it is I’ve been using the library much more. I’m lucky, we really do have a great one. Maybe not best sellers available the first day, but I did get Sherry Thomas’ Delicious within a week of the request and now have her first book on hold. They have tons and tons of romance (and sci-fi) and I can order, place holds, and renew online.
I’m really glad they’ve always forgiven my transgressions. :)
Toddson said on 08.26.08 at 03:11 PM • [link]
I’ve had problems with the library not checking in books I’ve returned - and then not shelving them properly - and dinging me for late fees and replacement costs. And I’ve paid, but I’ve pretty much stopped using the library.
But when you get a series of notices about overdue books and then refuse to respond or do anything, you deserve the trouble you’re in. It’s like the person who gets a series of parking tickets, ignores them, and then is surprised when their car is towed or booted. At some point you have to take responsibility.
Kathy said on 08.26.08 at 03:32 PM • [link]
Um, if you take the books and don’t return them-you are stealing. So, she just looks like an asshole. And her comments are trying to be cute, and I see no humor whatsoever. She should have returned the books or paid for them before she wasted community resources by having the judicial system involved. What a moron.
theo said on 08.26.08 at 03:48 PM • [link]
Toddson,
Such was the case with me. I returned 15 books, all in the overnight bin, and every one was checked back in but the Hawking book. I tried several times over the phone to explain patiently that I had taken them all back but no one would check the shelves (I understand many are short staffed but sheesh!) At the time, it was rare for me to be able to find time to go during regular hours. I’d had to take time from work to check out the books I’d returned, so I patiently explained a number of times I’d returned it.
I was so frustrated I finally tore my house apart trying to find it with the thought that maybe I had missed it after all.
Finally, on my first day off in weeks, I went to the library to handle it in person. There was a line at the counter and I thought, why not, I’ll just go see if it’s there and sure enough! There is sat. In all it’s glory. I took it down, inspected it, yup, same book I had. It even showed in the computer card catalog as being available!!!
I’m not excusing this woman. She’s an idiot of the first order. She blatantly admits she has them and won’t be returning them and could have cared less about anything to do with them.
But when a patron is trying to figure out if they are actually at fault or not, the library has a responsibility to try and assist. And if they don’t, shame on them!
karmelrio said on 08.26.08 at 04:08 PM • [link]
One wouldn’t have to go to jail for a book if one a) returned books on time, b) paid fines in a timely manner if you had an overdue book or c) paid for a book’s replacement if you lost it while in your possession.
Barring that, there’s always d) opening one’s mail. But this would require her to, you know, act like an actual adult.
No sympathy here - she wasted the town’s time and resources because she was repeatedly irresponsible.
Madd said on 08.26.08 at 04:22 PM • [link]
It’s the same for me. Before my daughter was born I could read a book or two in one day. Now it takes me two, maybe three. I’ve always got a book in progress.
I think most people have overdue books once in a while. I know sometimes I forget the due date or I just can’t get to the library, but I get the back ASAP. One time I thought I took a book back then went out of town for a week and came back to see that the book was overdue by a week. I’ve only lost two or three books and in those instances I not only paid for the book, but bought the library a copy to replace it. I know what it’s like to wait for someone to return a book so that you can have a chance at it and then it never comes back. Frustrating and annoying, especially if the book is part of a series. I once lived in a town so small that it was a miracle they had a library at all. The whole thing was roughly the size of my living room ... my apartment living room. So for three years it was like not having a library at all. It was depressing. To me the library is a privilege and people should respect that and respect the other patrons enough not to be a-holes like that lady and purposely steal books.
Sana-chan said on 08.26.08 at 04:45 PM • [link]
I’m terrible about returning (or renewing) my library books, so I’m always racking up fines. But I ALWAYS eventually return the books, and I always pony up the fines with only internal grousing over my own stupidity. This chick? Way the hell out of line. She was just being fucking lame.
As for a book I’d go to jail for… well I’d never go for something that lame, I’d just buy my own copy. Hell, if I was that hard up for it, and it was like the last copy of the book in existence, I’d scan the damn thing page for page so I could have my own copy. I actually did something similar with a book when I was a kid. It was an out of print book (Sorcery and Cecelia, which has since been re-released) and I loved it so much I copied the entire thing on my mom’s work copier. Way to misuse work resources! I cut up all the photo copies and make myself a little ghetto ass Xerox version of the book, which I kept for YEARS until they re-released it. But I took the original back to the library like a good little girl.
The only way I’d willingly go to jail over a book is if someone was trying to take away my own books, or my right to read or something. Then you can be damn sure I’d go, and that they’d pry my books from my cold, dead hands.
Sasha said on 08.26.08 at 04:51 PM • [link]
Okay, don’t shoot me, but, though I already have a much - drooled over copy, I could probably go to jail for White Oleander, in some other crazy circumstance. OH GOD WAIT I SAID DON’T SHOO—-
spinsterwitch said on 08.26.08 at 05:08 PM • [link]
I am a horrible offender at not returning library books. It’s the same with videos, which is why Netflix has been a godsend.
My library has now started letting you know that it is late (fines & charges for the book) and if you don’t respond, they send your account to collections. That was a mighty effective kick in the butt for me to both return the books and pay the fine ASAP. And I always do, pay my fines, that is.
Is there a book that I’d go to jail for? Not in those circumstances. But like others, if it was in protest to stop censorship, then I would go to bat for any book.
Zodiac Lung said on 08.26.08 at 05:27 PM • [link]
That’s just dumb. For bloody sanity’s sake, she could have swapped for either one of those books for practically FREE at Paperbackswap.com and avoided looking like a total jackass. I routinely return books late at the library (2 weeks goes by in a flash) and I cheerfully step up to the counter with my checkbook in hand when I go to check out a new batch. Hell, I figure it’s a great way to support my local library, and they buy me really damn expensive audiobooks to check out that I could never afford otherwise.
My mom always threatened me with the Library Police. Pity they had to be conjured into existence by this tart.
defense87…there’s none for this twit.
Eirin said on 08.26.08 at 05:40 PM • [link]
Dalibor did not get arrested because of a book, she was arrested because she stole the books. She wasted the time & money & resources of her community.
Bravely defending the Right To Steal Books for the downtrodden everywhere!
amy lane said on 08.26.08 at 05:46 PM • [link]
Well, who really wants to go to jail for being a complete idiot? But as for defending books? Any books? THAT is the cross I’d die on, as long as they let me read in the big house:-)
Jessa Slade said on 08.26.08 at 05:49 PM • [link]
This’d be a funnier question if (after The Jewel of Medina thing) I didn’t sometimes worry we’re headed this way.
Like Spinsterwitch, I’m bad about returning books. But we have so many checked out that two days overdue is $50. So we’re gettting better about renewing.
saltypepper said on 08.26.08 at 05:57 PM • [link]
At the point that I love a book enough to go to jail for it, I love it enough to scrounge up the money to buy my own copy.
However there are plenty of books where if someone tried to take my bought and paid for copies, I’d end up in jail, for sure. Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon, Colson Whitehead’s Colossus of New York, Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo… it’s a fairly long list.
Um, wait, I can read them in jail, right?
JaneyD said on 08.26.08 at 06:16 PM • [link]
She stole someone else’s property, same as if she’d walked in, grabbed a couple library chairs, stuffed them in her car trunk, and drove off.
I hope they ban her for life.
She’s a—hm—what’s the word…? Oh, yes—MORON!!!
I will never ever go to jail for a book because I am polite and pay attention to details like returning borrowed books, whether to the city library or to a friend.
Silver James said on 08.26.08 at 06:36 PM • [link]
Like mentioned above, I’d go to jail for the freedom to read but as to an individual book? I can’t think of one. I caught this woman’s “interview” on the news and wondered why she even bothered with the library. She seems much more the type to frequent the pirate sites and download them for free. Or maybe that’s what she was doing - scanning those books page by page to upload them.
As for libraries needing support? Don’t even get me started. HUGE soapbox. They do so freakin’ much with so little money and appreciation! Have you hugged your librarian today? And I don’t mean that in like a creepy, stalkerish sort of way. ‘kay?
Nialla said on 08.26.08 at 06:39 PM • [link]
So many people have the “But it’s just a couple of library books!” reaction. I see it a lot, as I work in a library.
What would Wal-Mart’s reaction be to someone picking up two books and walking out the door? Or, to put it in terms my fellow City employees finally could understand, what if someone “permanantly borrowed” city equipment?
It’s all the same thing - theft.
For those who’ve complained about books being returned and not checked in, yes it does happen. Barcodes misread sometimes, and the human operator doesn’t always catch it. But if you’re absolutely certain it’s in and don’t feel it’s been taken care of, go look on the shelves yourself for it, just to be sure. The librarians would probably appreciate the help, after being burned so much over all of the “But I brought it back!” complaints over the years. I’ve spent a lot of time checking the shelves, making calls, mailing notices, etc., and getting chewed out over it, then get an “Ooops, I did have it” from the patron later on. Or better yet, they returned it to the wrong library. *g*
Shiloh Walker said on 08.26.08 at 06:43 PM • [link]
Ditto.
Anon76 said on 08.26.08 at 07:06 PM • [link]
On a side note:
My local library LOVES when I go to conferences like RT. You see, there are so many events where publishers hand out complimentary books, not to mention the goody-book room that allows you to “shop” the shelves for “free” as part of your conference fee.
Me? I usually “shop” with my local library in mind. Things I’m pretty sure they will shelve. Meaning not only am I saving them money in purchasing fees, but hopefully spreading Romance to a wider audience.
Aside over. I now return you to your regular programming.
JaneDrew said on 08.26.08 at 07:30 PM • [link]
Hmmm… probably a bit embarassing that it was this discussion that reminded me I have a pile of books downstairs that were due yesterday. Errr.
I know in the university library system I use/work at/have a roommate who works at, if you go for too long without returning a book, they bill you for it. Of course, that is a bit more enforceable, since you can’t graduate with unpaid library fines or bills. Heh.
Frankly, the only way I would ever go to jail for “Angels and Demons” would be for setting it on fire in a public location.
JaneDrew
Suze said on 08.26.08 at 07:37 PM • [link]
I’m often late returning books, and have paid way more in fines than I ever did for membership fees.
Given that I can renew books via computer, via phone, or in person, and given that the library can phone me, mail me, or e-mail me… Huh. The only way to make it easier for me to return things on time or at all would be to have some kind of teleportation device for the materials. (Or have an e-library?)
She chose to ignore the notices. She chose to fail to appear. She’s dumb.
I’m with the folks who’d goal to jail to protect people’s right to access to books, but to go to jail just because I’m too much of a slacker to return library books, or open mail? Uh-uh.
Melissa said on 08.26.08 at 08:23 PM • [link]
I’m a librarian. And yes, I stood up and cheered the first time I read this story.
I understand that people sometimes need books for more than 3 weeks. I understand that people sometimes just forget to return them once they’re finished. (I have that problem myself.) But ignoring a court order????????????? Refusing to open your mail from the library? Refusing to return phone calls? WTH?
That person isn’t an adult. All she cares about is her needs, her desires, her convenience and to heck with everyone else. That makes her a toddler in an full-sized body, and a reason the gene pool could use a little Clorox.
Nadia said on 08.26.08 at 08:51 PM • [link]
She’s an idgit.
I luurve my library too much to risk being banned for life. Online renewal has saved me from book fines, but occasionally I’ll rack up a DVD fine since we only get them for one week and I forget. But hey, just consider that dollar a donation. If I loved a book enough to want to keep it, I’d trot myself over to Half Price Books instead of wasting My Own Tax Dollars tracking my sorry ass down to return the books.
Now, censorship is another thing altogether. I’d do time in the pokey over The Greek Prince Tycoon’s Amnesiac Virgin Mistress’s Secret Baby if someone told me I wasn’t allowed to read it.
Teresa said on 08.26.08 at 08:56 PM • [link]
She went to jail over a Dan Brown book? Seriously? Wow.
There aren’t too many I’d risk jail over - probably some serious research book I didn’t stand a hope in Hades of being able to buy (Refugees of the French Revolution comes to mind here).
But considering I volunteer at a library and am, at my advanced age, considering an MA in LS, I’m thinking I’m better off returning ALL my books. Or, if I happen to lose one (or, more likely, my cat upchucks on it and ruins it), I’ll ‘fess up and pay for the replacement.
Ben Ostrowsky said on 08.26.08 at 11:13 PM • [link]
I’m a librarian and I’m always appalled when the journalists fail to mention that city and county governments do this when someone ignores a court summons.
This doofus didn’t go to jail for keeping library books, she went to jail for blatantly ignoring a court summons. She could have given back the books and explained in court that she couldn’t afford to pay the overdue fines. She wouldn’t have been put in debtors’ prison.
But on the subject of what’s worth going to jail for, see Cory Doctorow’s excellent short-short story “Printcrime”, which you can read on his site for free.
Ben Ostrowsky said on 08.26.08 at 11:16 PM • [link]
theo, one possible reason is that people have been known to sneak the overdue book back onto the shelf, wait a while, and then point out that the book is sitting right there on the shelf.
No self-respecting Smart Bitch would ever do this, of course, but there are… other people out there too.
Deb Morrissey said on 08.26.08 at 11:39 PM • [link]
No one has mentioned so far - the “woman” in question is 20 (mentioned in a different article). She’s probably just an immature college student who doesn’t understand the consequences of her actions yet.
She still doesn’t seem to get that the real offense was ignoring the summons, not keeping the books.
theo said on 08.26.08 at 11:47 PM • [link]
Ben, I in no way implied that anyone did this, nor did I say I had done it, nor did that ever come up in my post.
What I said in my post was that I had called several times and asked them to check physically. No one could be bothered.
And if I’m going to return 14 of the books, some which were much more popular and a lot more expensive, why would I keep one?
You perhaps have the wrong person you’re either quoting or commenting to.
Quercus said on 08.27.08 at 12:04 AM • [link]
theo and Toddson: WORD.
This same thing happened to me at my best library (note I don’t say my “favorite” library). They shelved five or six books I’d returned without checking them in, and I ended up going to the stacks and bringing the books up to the extremely unhelpful person behind the desk. I was mad, because it was just one of many instances of the poor attitude in that particular branch. It was a lesson; now, instead of returning books to the bin, I take them to the counter and wait while the librarian checks them back in. I never explain why I’m doing it; I just smile and stand patiently.
That said, I often rack up late fees. Often. My disorganized life, let me show you it. Late fees aren’t just a deterrent and a punishment; they also support the library and help pay for new books. So bring on the fines and I will continue to pay them happily. :)
ChristineM said on 08.27.08 at 12:19 AM • [link]
I don’t check books out anymore mostly because of the length of time it takes me to read books now. My local library has not been a problem, but the one in the previous city I lived in was nothing but a headache. It was a gorgeous facility, but maybe they didn’t have enough staff, but I’ve had similar problems to those posted here.
1. The book sitting on the shelf situation. It wasn’t busy at all, and no one offered to look on the shelf for me. I went and found it sitting there.
2. I get a letter from a bill collector saying that I owed this library eighty dollars in replacement fines. I had moved, they found me, and the card was still in my wallet. I called them, and apparently they had checked out to me a Julia Child book, a middle grades reading curriculum, and a Mickey Mouse book. After twenty minutes, I finally got through to her that the problem was on her end because the library card was with me.
Sure, patrons can be dishonest, but people behind the counter can be dishonest as well.
I have always paid my fines I’ve come by honestly, but I wouldn’t go to jail for a book. I’d get my own copy.
Suze said on 08.27.08 at 12:24 AM • [link]
Our library helpers tend to be underqualified and overworked, but so are most of the helpers in our town. (We’ve had several restaurants close just because they couldn’t get staff. Hmm, be a waiter for $10 per hour plus tips, or be a broom-pusher at the plants for $25 per hour for a guaranteed 40 hours per week, and get to sit around doggin’ it for most of your shift? I dunno…)
I recently went to the library looking for a particular book and found 4 “H” shelves that had the first 12 books by “M” authors. Because somebody got lazy and just shoved books into whatever space was available. And because the people willing and able to work for slightly more money than volunteers make don’t tend to have strong work ethics, especially when the customers keep yelling at them.
Living in my town forces you to either cultivate patience, or spend big money on drugs to cope.
SonomaLass said on 08.27.08 at 02:04 AM • [link]
Every public library I have known is dependent on its volunteers, and I am so grateful for both the paid and unpaid staff and their hard work! But yes, you’re going to have human error. I’m sure some people are very decent about that (on both sides) and others are less so. And Ben’s right, there are people (I think he specifically excluded all of us, though) who would slip the book back on the shelf rather than ‘fess up to having kept it too long—especially if you were sure you already returned it and made a big fuss about that, only to find it later. That happened to me once; I was positive that I had returned a book, I called and asked them to search the shelves, I searched myself, assuming it had mis-shelved, and I held onto the “lost & replace” notice until I absolutely had to pay it or lose my borrowing privileges. Then I found it, and I almost paid the whopping fee rather than admit it. I got lucky—the librarian on duty was wonderful, and we had a good laugh about it.
Funny, when I sent this news item to SB Sarah, I didn’t really envision a discussion of library issues. But that has been interesting, too. Mostly it was a jumping-off point for me to think about what books I really HAVE to have, and what that would say about me to others….
HaloKun said on 08.27.08 at 02:06 AM • [link]
I still have my copy of “New Swedish Plays” from my University library. It’s been at least 5 years now, and no fines yet.
That’s right I live on the edge. They’ll have to pry this book from my cold dead hands.
Moth said on 08.27.08 at 03:27 AM • [link]
I wouldn’t go to jail for a book under these circumstances but you pry my copy of American Gods out of my cold dead fingers.
ev said on 08.27.08 at 04:02 AM • [link]
I just buy the damned things myself too. If I can get on the waiting list early enough, maybe I will borrow it. I mainly use the library for older titles or a series I don’t know if I want to buy or not. However, I do use it for the audios.
But go to jail- nope, don’t think so, unless someone tried to ban them.THAT I would die fighting.
MJ said on 08.27.08 at 04:18 AM • [link]
As a librarian, I was jumping up and down! You have no idea of the extent of theft from libraries, who will loan you the damn book for nothing. All you have to do is bring it back! One city library I worked for bought 100 test prep books for the ASVAB and the police department every year. 95 people would sign up for a card to take out the (then $12) book, and never come back. With or without the book.
At my current library, some asshat is taking the newspaper every day. If I catch him I’ll give him the damn 50 cents to get his own damn copy.
And if I ever actually see someone leaving with our stuff, they’ll get to see Conan the Librarian!
ann said on 08.27.08 at 05:06 AM • [link]
One of my absolute favourite books is a little known historical romance/adventure novel published in the early 70’s called The Kings Shadow by Judith Polley. My mother gave it to me when I was about 13; she had bought it used at a small bookstore. I read and reread it many times over. It also inspired me to spend hours in my high school library researching the whole era in which it was set, and the historic characters featured therein. It was very old and yellowed when I got it, but now its battered and falling apart. To save it, I’ve now wrapped it and placed in in a safe, cozy corner of my bookshelf. The truly horrible part is this: its no longer in print :(
So, I would probably go to jail for this book, if it was the last copy I could find. I know its selfish (and a little bit pathetic), but I’d probably justify it by saying noone could love it as much as I do.
[btw: don’t laugh, but if anyone knows where I could get another copy, please let me know…]
Megaera said on 08.27.08 at 05:23 AM • [link]
Then there’s the folks who deliberately “permanently check out” books that are a) very expensive and/or b) no longer in print/available at any price. I used to do collections for a medium-sized public library, and we had one account who’d checked out over $20,000 in all-but-irreplaceable long-out-of-print art books and then utterly disappeared.
Keep a bestseller, that’s one thing. There’s plenty of Dan Brown to go around. But deliberately steal rare books? That’s entirely another. At least this woman’s terminal stupidity didn’t cost the library something they couldn’t replace. I wonder if she learned her lesson.
art26—Yeah, something like that.
szaleniec said on 08.27.08 at 06:11 AM • [link]
I had a library book once that I renewed so much that they asked me to bring it in to prove that I hadn’t lost it. It was an advanced physics textbook, quite heavy going to say the least, and I later bought a copy for myself when my means improved.
Mia said on 08.27.08 at 11:28 AM • [link]
I would like to walk out of the library with Slash’s autobiography just so I could finish reading it…I can’t believe how much he got away with at such a young age and well into adulthood. So in honor of Slash I would steal his book, then feel guilty while I read it… Then I’d return it to the library and beg for mercy!
ev said on 08.27.08 at 12:55 PM • [link]
um.. wanna borrow my copy? Or you could do what dozens of readers do daily- stop in at Border’s, grab something to drink and sit and read!!
ev said on 08.27.08 at 12:57 PM • [link]
Oh, and did I mention the concert last year where I stood directly in front of him the entire night and was treated to not only some awesome guitar playing, his guitar pick, one hell of a smile and some really, really fucking nice man-titty and abs??? drool.
I may old, but I ain’t dead.
Zodiac Lung said on 08.27.08 at 02:19 PM • [link]
3 Available used at Amazon: just search Judith Polley
DS said on 08.27.08 at 02:56 PM • [link]
I don’t know if anyone mentioned this above, but she wasn’t arrested for the library books, she was arrested for missing a Court date. Even if you are innocent you must show up for the hearing or you will get a capias filed against you.
I think she just got a good lesson in civics.
Lyvvie said on 08.27.08 at 03:17 PM • [link]
Get arrested for pinching a library book? Not worth it. Not ever.
However I would be tempted into something illegal to get my hands on the very rare Derren Brown magic books. The huge fancy ones with velvet covers that reveal all his magic secrets.
Mary Lynn said on 08.27.08 at 05:04 PM • [link]
Uh. Never. —- Well, unless it was a book burning, of course then there would be wackos who would probably commit violence on your person.
ehren said on 08.27.08 at 11:15 PM • [link]
the book about ballet stories that I used to constantly check out in elementary school. I can’t even remember the name of it, but it had the complete stories of various ballets such as Giselle and others… I LOVED it.
voodoo chile said on 08.28.08 at 04:00 AM • [link]
Damn! That’s pretty intense for a library book. I’m sitting here laughing at the bizarre nature of this whole deal. There ain’t a book on the planet, including the Dead Sea Scrolls that I’d go to jail for.
Heather said on 08.28.08 at 07:29 AM • [link]
Man, they can do that? I better return those books I’ve forgotten to return over the years. . .
Extra funny: spam filter word was “trouble28”
mia said on 08.28.08 at 08:10 AM • [link]
Love ya for that suggestion Ev! I know what I’m doing after I take my kids to their first day of school. ;) You’re so lucky for that concert experience, the man is HOT.
sisuile said on 08.28.08 at 09:58 PM • [link]
When I saw the title of the post, I thought we were dealing with this story, which is about a patron refusing to return books as a form of censorship.
Ben Ostrowsky said on 08.29.08 at 02:22 AM • [link]
There are malicious reasons for keeping books, too. Some poeple use it as a way of censoring the library.
JoAn Karkos is refusing to return the book “It’s Perfectly Normal” saying it is pornographic…Karkos has until 4 p.m. on Friday to return the book or be arrested.
Fairings said on 09.01.08 at 09:57 AM • [link]
If this thing happened to me and I want that book badly, i just buy a copy for myself.
Mantelli said on 09.03.08 at 05:19 PM • [link]
I hate library thieves. Now, admittedly, I have had my problems with library assistants who have not checked in my books. In the last year, I brought in a stack of books and put them on the counter, and the assistant didn’t check them in while I was in the library. When I received an overdue notice for them, I called the branch on the phone, asked to speak to the branch manager, and told her this. I asked for a shelf check. Sure enough, the books were on the shelf and not checked in.
Folks, if you are certain you returned a book, don’t just take it back to the desk yourself, call in and ask for that shelf check. It helps a lot to do so.
I got an apology.
teak furniture said on 09.08.08 at 04:35 PM • [link]
Interesting, thanks for sharing this story.
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