I think it's one of the Library Commandments, after thou shalt Not Damage the Book.

I think they can only legally charge u fines up to the worth of the book. I would look into that.

What book was it OP? 'The Velveteen Rabbit' you checked out in elementary school? And now that you are finally going to college and moving out of your parent's house and have found it, you decided to return it? Should of just kept it and read it to your kids.

FYL. I don't understand why people think YDI. It's the library's fault that it doesn't manage to keep track of the books. You actually gave it back and they punished you - it doesn't really help them - it will only make more people not want to give the books back when the library forgets to fine them. You actually didn't take advantage of their poorly working system, while that librarian is a greedy bitch!

' LoLWut?? nd Why??' Is the username related to the story? Because if it is, I can't believe you're asking yourself that.

Remember, guys, we don't know what the book was. Some libraries have books that are actually pretty darn expensive, though most don't let them leave the building. It's possible that the $100 fine WAS the cost of replacing the book, which is how it got to be so high. OP, YDI.

I don't know the back story so although the fine sounds ridiculous to me, I can't really comment... but the police? What a stupid woman. She wants to be careful there; if she ever actually needs them to help with a real problem they probably won't take her seriously.

Where I live, after a certain amount of years, all overdue fees and books are removed from the system... I'd had overdue fees and lost books in 2004. When I went to the library a couple years ago to pay them, they said that I had no outstanding debts, and that I wasn't even in the system anymore.

YDI. Some books cost over $100 and some libraries charge different amounts based on the type of book (non-fiction, young adult, reference). Some even charge the price of replacing the book plus the late fee after a certain time period, regardless if it was a donated book or not. Some libraries do have certain days that they will forgive fees if the book is returned that day. Dropping it off only works if you never plan on going to that libraries or any connected electronically as the outstanding fee would still be on file. Most libraries refuse to lend to people once they accumulate a certain amount of fees. The "heated argument" is probably what got the OP a police escort. If OP was causing a scene, the librarian was within her rights to have them removed. Personally, I'm glad some libraries have fines with some teeth. My library charges chump change for late fees and has a maximum you can be charged. It is aggravating when the idiot that checks out the same book you requested doesn't return it for months and there is no real incentive for them too. I might not be able to afford all the books I want to read but I can afford those late fees. Way to go, strict library! You keep doing what you're doing!

Did you think the librarian would be pleased with you? Reading is fundamental; returning a book after a year and not expecting large fines and being treated like a criminal is fundamentally stupid.