My Library Book Fine Nightmare
You May Not Be Able to Afford Going to the Library!
The Mesa Public Library in Mesa, Arizona is a very old establishment. In fact, I remember going there 20 years ago when I was a kid. Many of there books are out of date and dog-eared when you check them out. I was accused of something I didn't do. I cannot prove I didn't damage the books and have no way of fighting against the City of Mesa.
When I received the email it was late last Friday night. I called the Mesa Public Library and they were not answering the phone. On Saturday I called and spoke with someone in the book fine department who said he couldn't help me. He said I would have to speak with a supervisor that would not be in the library until Monday.
Most people go to the library because they cannot afford to buy books. That is the category I fall into. I love to read but I cannot afford to buy a bunch of books. I really cannot afford to pay the library $410 in book fines.
I stressed out all weekend and then called the Mesa Public Library on Monday about the book fines. He would not budge. I have no way to prove I did not damage the books. He pointed out that when I signed up for a library card I signed a legal document agreeing to pay for all damaged books. I pointed out that I could find all these books on amazon in used condition for less than ½ of what they are charging me. He told me that I could purchase the exact same books for the library, but they would have to be brand new. Although these books were not in a good condition when I checked them out.
This really was quite a strange experience and I know I will never go back to the library again. I have perfect credit. In order to keep that, I have to pay the Mesa Public Library even though I did not damage the books. I cannot help but wonder if this book fine is just a scheme to try to raise money. It is surprising as well that the first email you get from them is a threat to pay up in 2 weeks or it will go to collections. This is not the library I remember going to when I was a kid.
Published by Rebecca Said
Rebecca Said enjoys writing about a wide variety of subjects. Strong interests include animal welfare, dogs and cats, internet marketing and politics. View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentSomething similar happened to me this week where I live. I returned an item then received email it was overdue days after I turned it in. Now they're telling me it came in damaged and I owe $$! As a writer and lover of books I would be the last person to not treat library materials properly.
This happened to my next door neighbor and a couple of our students this month, too, so it seems very suspicious. In a couple of cases the books were tossed out so the patrons couldn't even view the damage so it's the library's word against them.
What seemed even more odd was that each time this has happened this month it was with very popular books that have all been on the hold list. It makes me wonder if either employee is stealing these expensive books or if there's a problem with their book drop. Something just doesn't feel right...
I hope there is a way you don't have to pay this fine.I wish I could give you more advice but as I said, I'm going through a similar ordeal. Good luck/vibe to you!
I had the same experience. My fine was less than $15. My email said this, "We are sending this letter to notify you of this charge as the fee exceeds the $5.00 fine limit, and, therefore, blocks the use of your library card. We are holding this book for your inspection. Failure to pay damage fees could result in your account being forwarded to an independent collection agency.
I doubt that library ever threatened to turn the bill for unpaid fines over to a collection agency. Absurd that your library would consider doing so in two weeks. When anyone tries to check out a book, if they have unpaid fines, they need to pay them or not allowed to check out new materials.
That is so horrible. I was reading a very old book when the spine fell apart. When I returned the book I took it to the front desk and offered to pay for it, even though I did nothing to damage it. The clerk was very nice; did not have to pay. I got a lesson on how the book spines are repaired by volunteers. I have shown librarians books I am checking out that are likewise damaged or have writing in them ~ amazing how many people will write comments in library books. They paste a "damaged book" label inside front cover and that, so that when I return it, they know it was not me who damaged the book.
It sounds like they're trying to get money to buy new books. I'm with Secretsides.
That is horrible I don't know if it would help but I would contact the better business bureau. I hope you get help. What a rip off!