Comments on: I am a moron part 635

By: Deirdre

Deirdre — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:36:23 +0000

I know I’m answering this years later, but my take on overdue library fees is that they are fees for using the library. When I consider how many books I get to take home for FREE and how much I use the library as a quiet space to spend time or entertain my children, it’s difficult to get upset about the fees.

I actually belong to a library now that is not allowed to charge overdue fees (something about it’s being connected to the public school system), and I feel much worse about overdue books than I used to. I have to confess that I am not terribly philanthropic in general, but since I was used to paying library fees for years before, my current library is one place where I make a point of donating regularly.

I love my library, and it terrifies me to think of a world without libraries. I know most libraries are always struggling financially. I’m happy to give them what I can.

By: mamacita

mamacita — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 01:52:38 +0000

Ramit — Usually the library has to charge above the replacement cost because they have other expenses associated with acquiring the books — cataloging, special binding, etc.

You know what really belongs in the “stupid mistakes” category? Speeding tickets! It’s about $120 even if you take the defensive driving route.

By: jc

jc — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 11:07:45 +0000

You should move to Los Alamos, NM. There the public library doesn’t charge late fees, because they found that people just don’t come back and return the books, if they have a fine to pay. Instead they have an automatic phone service that calls you and kindly asks you to bring the books back.

By: Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:17:13 +0000

No, after 2 weeks and 2 days they just switch to the full cost of replacing the books. I don’t remember exactly, but I remember thinking the prices were high ($36.95 for a regular hardcover book!) so I told them I’d come in today to return them. Could they please just revert back to regular fines?

I suppose I could have tried to negotiate more, but it’s a public library.

By: G-man

G-man — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:14:01 +0000

I don’t see how libraries can charge late fees above the cost of replacing the books (purchase price + labor), especially if the book is still in print. Ramit, was this part of your argument to get your late fees reduced?

By: rmark

rmark — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:51:29 +0000

I’ve seen grad students with bills over $2000. They check out a bunch of books, and forget to return them before leaving over the summer.

By: SBC

SBC — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 22:12:12 +0000

Just think how much it would have cost to buy all those books…

May as well contribute to a good cause and pay the fine (as much as it stinks to do so).

By: Casey

Casey — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 21:24:47 +0000

I have to say, a few people could stand to read: http://www.violentacres.com/archives/30/you-can-learn-a-lot-from-a-rich-girl It's a good thing to read if you're thinking about doing some investing without first getting some financial know how.

By: WH

WH — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 11:37:27 +0000

Been there done that! If your library system doesn’t let you renew online, can you call in to renew instead? And I just take out fewer books now…

By: ricemutt

ricemutt — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 04:22:40 +0000

I have to say that the public library system here is the first one I’ve been to where they charge you for placing holds and checking out DVDs/videos. Maybe it’s just another high-cost-of-living-in-California thing.