Overdue book,school library.I love the library but I may never be able to check another book.. O_0?

Question

Well, you see..
My High school as an incredible library.My parents are overprotected so I'm not allow to go to any other library or bookstore out side of school.Therefore,the school library was like my special place.Two months ago around May towards the ending of school.I checked out this psychology book,I loved it.It was due on May 29.Remember these are days towards the end of school.So,on May 28 I went to turn the book in but it said "Library is closed".So,i had no chance.Now i knew i couldn't come back to school to return it since today was the last day of school.So,I gave it to my friend who claim that she will be going to summer school.I gave her the book and my ID and told her to please return back to me before they begin to charge.And after a month (June) She told me she was unable to return it since she didnt go to summer school.And school just started last monday,in the back of the book it says the book costs $55.I returned the book on friday by the little box afraid that

The lady may tell me something.So,I know i may have to owe a lot of money since the book was returned 2 months after.But it wasn't my fault..And i can't ask my parents for the money because they're having severe money crises.And now im afraid to even go near the library.Should i just confront the lady and explain her what happen and perhaps she may give me another chance?

Everyday you miss a day once your book is overdue you need to pay 10 cents so by now i probably owe 60 bucks but im unable to pay it.but the library was closed and i did tried my best to return it back..and so i did last friday and now what,what if i try to check a new book and she tells me i owe the overdue payment :(

Answer 1

Tell the principle, cry, and offer them 10 bucks. They'll agree.

Answer 2

Since the library was closed over the summer other than to summer school students, I don't see how they can technically fine you at all. You attempted to return the book on the 28th and the library was closed. How can they make a due date of the 29th when they closed on the 28th for the summer? That is absurd. I would say that if you returned it on the first day of school the fine should be zero. I would go to the principal or to my guidance counsellor and tell them the situation. All libraries do have what they call "amnesty days" when people return long overdue books without a fine just so the book gets back on the shelves. In your situation, I would think amnesty would be in order. You could offer to help out at the library during free periods. The beginning of the school year is always hectic for a library to get things started. Tell the truth. I don't think you have done anything wrong. I think it is wonderful when a kid like you enjoys a library as much as you do. It would be a terrible loss for you to lose a place that means so much to you. If you want to, print this out and show it to your principal. Tell him that an author feels terrible that a special student is losing a special place in her life over a silly mistake. Then write to me and tell me what happens at [e-mail]. If there is a fine, I will arrange to assist you. You shouldn't lose that library you love. Pax - C

Answer 3

OK, you sound like you go to this library quite frequently so maybe the lady knows you well and won't penalize you. I doubt they'll charge you for everyday over the summer because you had no chance to return it over the summer (the librarian isn't sitting up there everyday). Just talk to the librarian and explain what happened. If you have to pay, ask her if you can work off some of the price by doing stuff around the library or make a payment plan where you dont have to pay $55 all at one time.

Hope I helped!

Answer 4

Talk to the head librarian and be honest about what happened. She will see your obvious chagrin. You might be able to make payments on what you owe, or maybe be offered the chance to work at the library after school to help cover the costs. Remember Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy. Did you ever see the Seinfeld episode with the library cop who comes after Jerry for a book that is like 20 years over due? It's pretty funny. But there are no library cops so don't worry

Answer 5

Talk to the librarian! Ask if there are overdue fines on your account, then explain the situation. It may not be as bad as you think. The fines at many libraries stop accumulating or cap off when they reach a certain dollar amount. Also, many librarians are happy just to get the books back and will often forgive the fine. If you do have a fine that the school won't forgive and that you can't afford, perhaps you can pay a little at a time. Another option would be to see if you can work off your fine by volunteering at the library during study period or after school. Good luck!

Answer 6

Do the math. If it was due on May 29 and you turned it in on August 24, that's only about 3 months. Assuming 30 days in a month, that's approx. 90 days overdue. 90 x $0.10 = $9.00. Not $60. But talk to the librarian. They may not even count the days of summer.

You're responsible for returning the book on time, so I would recommend NOT employing the "but it's not my fault" attitude. It will come across as whiny. If it's a real financial hardship, ask if you can work off your fine by shelving books or dusting, or something.

Answer 7

It's really not that big of a deal. If you tell the librarian what happened, I'm sure she would cut you some slack. They'll just be thrilled that their book is returned so they don't have to replace it. The fine might be waived, or reduced, but you'll never know if you don't ask/tell someone.

If you do have a hefty fee, let the librarian know that you are having some financial problems at home. See if they'll let you do a "payments" plan, or you could volunteer to work in the library for free until they think the debt is paid.

There's no point in avoiding the library for a fine. I think once you talk to someone about it, things will work out better than you anticipated. Good luck!

Answer 8

Most states have a program now where you can leave a very overdue book at any hospital with no reciprocation. It beats leaving it in a dumpster where it has no chance at ever being read. Unless it is a Harry Potter book, your library has a amnesty program where they wont press charges and they will put you on a payment program where you pay a % each week until the fines are paid off. Get a lawyer for your protection and good luck to you.

Answer 9

The answer is simple. Tell the librarian your situation and that you did return the book. Ask whether you have any outstanding fines or if they will reduce them because you did bring the book back. I don't think the fines would be more than the cost of the book, but don't be surprised if they do fine you.

Once you know your situation, you can either pay up the fines and continue using the library or not pay and go somewhere else. There is no sense worrying about the situation. I doubt the librarian is going to flip out...all they really care about is having their material given back to them after you've borrowed it.

Answer 10

Go in and settle up. The fine probably maxes out at somewhere between $2-10. If you don't have it tell them that you'll pay later. Libraries typically aren't out to collect big fines they just want their stuff back.

Answer 11

Tell them your situation and talk to your parents if there's a fine. You can't stay away from the library! Much better to clear your account with them and keep going there.