I can't remember the conversation verbatim, unfortunately... but... here it goes:
First, to understand this story, you have to understand how our library system works. We don't have late fees... but if a book is over 53 days late, the account is closed and sent to collections. At this point, even if you do return the book, your account won't be re-opened until you pay an $18 processing fee to cover the cost. There's a sign to this effect behind the desk at the branch I work at, and presumably at the others.
So a visitor comes in, and is unable to check out something because she's been forwarded to collections for returning something too late. Despite this being explained to her, she at first thinks she must have not returned a book she forgot about, and needs it explained several times before she gets it. The whole time, she's rude about the entire affair, and once she understands that she returned the book, she says (As close to an exact quote as I can remember):
"So, somehow, I still have to pay for it?!"
... Yes, yes you do. Because you kept it for 53 freaking days beyond the allotted time without bothering to get off your lazy ass to renew it online or in person. At any other library, you would have been charged for being even one day late, and much more than $18 for being 53 days late. So stop being a whiny little ass, and be grateful that that's all the penalty you get for your carelessness.
... People like this make me glad I work as a page, not at the desk.
First, to understand this story, you have to understand how our library system works. We don't have late fees... but if a book is over 53 days late, the account is closed and sent to collections. At this point, even if you do return the book, your account won't be re-opened until you pay an $18 processing fee to cover the cost. There's a sign to this effect behind the desk at the branch I work at, and presumably at the others.
So a visitor comes in, and is unable to check out something because she's been forwarded to collections for returning something too late. Despite this being explained to her, she at first thinks she must have not returned a book she forgot about, and needs it explained several times before she gets it. The whole time, she's rude about the entire affair, and once she understands that she returned the book, she says (As close to an exact quote as I can remember):
"So, somehow, I still have to pay for it?!"
... Yes, yes you do. Because you kept it for 53 freaking days beyond the allotted time without bothering to get off your lazy ass to renew it online or in person. At any other library, you would have been charged for being even one day late, and much more than $18 for being 53 days late. So stop being a whiny little ass, and be grateful that that's all the penalty you get for your carelessness.
... People like this make me glad I work as a page, not at the desk.
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