Well, I didn't actually win money, but money was involved in principal.
Alberta has a very well organized interlibrary loan system. From time to time I get a book in from another library if my home library doesn't have the title.
The last time I got an inter library loan , I found a sticker on the book that said there was a $150.00 fine for a lost book and $150.00 fine for a damaged book. This really caught my attention. I took the book back and showed them the sticker with the fine. I almost asked for a written receipt that I had returned the book.
I put in a complaint to the library board. I didn't hear anything but the librarian I dealt with assured me that she took it to the board. Since it's interlibrary a provincial board makes the decision.
So I didn't hear anything until today. The fine notice had been erased from the books.
Needless to say, I was happy. I had friends outside so I went over to them and told them I just had to tell them something. They were happy too.
I encourage reading. A fine like this would very clearly discourage reading.
Good for you for speaking up to the library. Seeing something like that is really discouraging.
ReplyDeleteI was on he board many years ago so knew my way around.
DeleteDefinitely an excessive fine!!
ReplyDeleteSome places are dropping fines. It would be good to know how their returns are going
the local library has dropped fines but the provincial inter library fixed the big fines.
DeleteDear Red I felt so happy and proud of you 🤗
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job here undoubtedly 👍
I appreciate how you realised the sensitivity of the issue and brought it into the notice of authority. And it feels quite impressive how they reacted to it with positive approach 🥰
It took them more than a year and I was ready to push them again.
DeleteI am glad the fine was erased! Take care, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought they would just reduce it.
DeleteThe fine was not fine.
ReplyDeleteNice turn of phrase!
DeleteThat is a hefty fine and surely a little over the top, unless the book is a rare antique! I'm glad you had a good result.
ReplyDeleteIt was completely over the top. Just bonkers.
DeleteGood for you, Red! My library stopped late fees several years ago as they just want to encourage reading. They will charge if a book is lost or badly damaged but just the cost of the book which seems fair.
ReplyDeleteThe local library doesn't have fines but these were fines for interlibrary loans.
DeleteYou stood your ground, the fine is gone,
ReplyDeleteA victory dance on library lawn!
No cash was won, but peace of mind—
A reader’s triumph, rare to find.
As always, thanks John. I really like to encourage reading.
DeleteThat is crazy. Our library has done away with fines altogether!
ReplyDeleteOur local library doesn't have fines, just the provincial inter library.
DeleteNicely done!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteOur libraries abolished fines a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteThe local library doesn't have fines , just the provincial interlibrary.
DeleteYes, some of these fines can discourage reading. Our library here did away with late fees but they'll send you a bill for book replacement if you don't return the book after a certain period of time. Once I was very late (past the deadline) but they erased the billing after I returned the book. I was late because I thought I'd already returned it only to find it much later under my sofa when cleaning! lol
ReplyDeleteI think many people have an oops when it comes to lost books.
DeleteGood for you, Red. You may have made quite a difference in ways that you won't know but it will come back to you some day, in a good way.
ReplyDeleteIf it's coming back, it better hurry.
DeleteI'm glad you got that sorted out. $150 seems like highway robbery.
ReplyDeleteIt was more than highway robbery. It was insane.
Delete$150.00 fine? Wow! Were you reading the original manuscript of "The Kama Sutra" - at least 2000 years old?
ReplyDeleteThey only have regular books to lend ...nothing special.
ReplyDeleteThat's insane. I can't imagine why they would charge any more than it took to replace the book. In fact I'm not sure it would even be legal!
ReplyDeleteCollecting on the fine would be hard! I am glad you are a man of action and complained about it!
ReplyDelete