Overhead SC at Library

[Devilot]

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.

[depechemodefan]

See, people don't like being responsible for stuff.

I think I understand was she returned the book after it was 53 days late but this is the first time she tried to check out a book since returning the book?

I ever mention or laptop fines? We have laptops people can check-out, but they have to use it in the library. There is a paper we get them to sign, that says, "you have 2 hours to use it. If you turn it in after the 2 hours, you have to pay a $25 fine." So a lot of time people come up to complain "you didn't tell me there was a fine. And there was no timer on the laptop to let me know when my 2 hours were up." Wow, you didn't read the paper you signed? Maybe I should add my own note, "I will also bark like a dog when I return the laptop." No wait, that would be annoying.

[Devilot]

I think I understand was she returned the book after it was 53 days late but this is the first time she tried to check out a book since returning the book?

I assume so. I, fortunately, wasn't the one talking to her, but I can't see how she could have missed it, otherwise.

[Ill_Used_Heroine]

See, people don't like being responsible for stuff.

Especially when it's not their personal property. Good thing I clean the DVDs after each circ ... most of the time they look like they've been used for coasters or ashtrays.

Hmm ... actually, when you think about it, everything in the library is purchased by the taxpayers of this state, so you'd think they'd realize that and take better care of the library materials that we all paid for.

[Chromatix]

That's the problem. They paid for it with their tax dollars. So they think they ca do what the heck tey like with it. Never mind that everyone else's tax dollars paid for it as well.