I can hardly stand it, and so I thought I might find catharsis by posting my feelings in the matter.
Last week I borrowed three movies from the Public Library. All three films were for Parker's benefit, so that I could see something other than Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie during his waking hours.
Now some of you may not know this about me yet, but I hate fines and interest payments of every sort, mortgage payments excluded. I can't stand them, and as such I always make great effort to get things turned in on time.
This week it just didn't work out. I forgot to return the movies on Tuesday, but I told Michael it would be okay as long as we got them in by opening the next day. One of the movies, which we hadn't watched, didn't get picked up to return, and since we had spent the entire day with our car in the shop and neither of us felt like getting out in the cold by the end of the day, the leftover film was returned the next day. In my mind only one of the movies was going to be counted against us as late.
So I went to the library this afternoon thinking I'd have to pay a small fine, something along the lines of $1.40. Boy was I wrong.
$8.00!!!!
$2.00 per movie per day. Now, historically I have only rarely turned anything in to the library that wasn't on time, and I don't believe I had ever held a film out too long. Films are only available to be borrowed for 7 days at a time with no opportunity to renew.
I understand that there have to be fees, and I understand that these fees have inflated along with everything else, but $8:00! This afternoon I was prepared to check out two DVDs and a VHS, but when I found out how much I would have to pay I decided against it.
I don't think I'll be using the Public Library much longer. That's an extreme reaction I suppose, but I find those fees offensive. Besides, our Public Library is woefully inadequate. If you've ever tried to do research through the library's catalogue you'll know how difficult it is to navigate to find what you need, and so many of the books I'm looking for simply are not there.
On the other hand, I'm not sure what alternatives are available. I can borrow from people I know, or I can buy books at the store and online, but once I've turned in the books that I currently have checked out, I may not use the Public Library any more.
***Two hours later***
Jim was over at the house tonight and inadvertently convinced me that I simply cannot give up the library. He brought over this lecture series from The Learning Company, which is interesting because I just got their catalogue in the mail yesterday. I cannot give up the library.
What I can give up is borrowing movies from the library. Jim informs me that they carry the heaviest fines, so probably if I limit myself to books, and possibly audio media, anyway--things that I can checkout for three weeks at a time and renew once, I should be fine. That's good to know. A fee schedule is available on the library's website, www.tuscaloosa-library.org. I need to take a look at it because I've been warned about board books as well.
8 comments:
I forgot to include music CDs in my list of heftily fined items. The library has a decent music CD collection upstairs, but it can cost a small fortune if you return them late.
These fines are not in place to simply detour you from ever borrowing again. They are there for those that are continuously late or do not return things. This is also why a time limit is given. So, is one to conclude that you are not to borrow movies from the library again for fear of late fees? Things happen in life and that is one that is in your control.
:)
Actually that is precisely why I won't borrow any more movies. Things happen, especially at the stage of life we are in. Sometimes it just won't be practical to get these things in after one week, and you don't realize it until the very last moment. With books at least you can renew once on-line if you suddenly realize at 5:00 in the afternoon that your books were due back that day. This is real life we're talking about. Theoretically you are exactly right.
Much agreed on real life and the unpredicted daily issues that will arise! 10-14 days would be more logical in regards to life and one should not revolve such life around a date of return for movies. Also, borrowing from friends makes CERTAIN that you actually see one another on a regular basis and gives time for much needed "adult" conversation. Good luck.
I am a generous supporter of our public library! I pay so much in fines I think I should get a paver stone in front with my name carved in it. I don't feel too bad about it, though, because I check out a tremendous volume of books, videos, and audio books EVERY blessed week. That's because we usually get videos, so I HAVE to go back each week.
When I look at how much it would cost to buy these materials, I don't feel so bad. Some homeschool curricula are expensive packages of real books. I prefer at this point in my life to make the weekly trek to the library. My kids see how much I love books, and they beg to go with me.
We've had great books on CD to listen to on road trips, some for the kids, some for me during my turn to drive.
What's the lecture series about?
And who is the smiling anonymous?
I keep up with your blog--even though we moved to SC! I'm glad to read about you and the family, and upon reading your post about libraries, had to confess two episodes in my life (pre-twins):
1) In my master's degree (at WCU in late 90s), I racked up a hefty fine of over $100 when writing my thesis--I just couldn't return those books within 3 weeks for some reason (glad they've increased it now).
2) When editing a children's book in Nashville, TN, I borrowed a book from our local public library. I thought I had returned it along with other books but then was fined for the entire price of the book eventually. I later found the book under my living room couch.
Keep writing, my dear! You have fantastic thoughts and are a great writer.
Jenny
Jenny, thank you for sharing your stories and for reading my blog! I'm so glad to know you are a part of my life, even though you are far away, and oh so busy.
I just finished reading a book that had nothing to do with, and was nothing like, Mama Day, but reminded me of it because there was a beautiful moment in it about love. I'm about to post on that. Mama Day is a book I love, and isn't it funny to think of how such lovely books are sometimes discovered. I'm thinking of the class you and I had together, of course.
It's great to hear from you. Thank you for the encouragement.
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