One of the first lessons my parents taught me when I moved out on my own was to pay my bills on time. I must admit I now dread going to the mailbox since I’m fully aware that numerous bills are waiting with my name on it. However, I’d rather pay them than face the humiliation of bill collectors, notices, and even being arrested.
I couldn’t help but laugh to myself when I came across this news story, “Women Arrested for Failing to pay Library Bill on Time.” Most people stress over the rent, phone, cable, internet, car note, or other significant bills, the library bill is usually the least of anyone’s worries. However, we are in a recession (well I think so anyway) and people want their money and they want it on time even the library.
Heidi Dalibor was arrested in Grafton Wisconsin last week after she failed to return her library books, “Angels and Demons” and “White Oleander” that she took out last year.
Dalibor did not respond to four notices from the library, two phone calls and two letters. The library forwarded the case to police, who issued a citation for Dalibor’s failure to return the materials or pay the fine. The citation included a court date, which Dalibor admits she ignored. With arrest warrant in hand, police showed up at Dalibor’s door and led her away in handcuffs. While the police have been criticized for going so far, the police chief said they simply followed the law.
In my opinion this could have all been avoided by simply returning the books on time or paying the required fine. What the article doesn’t tell you is that Ms.Dailbor owed the library $32.00 in fines, and $172.00 for the few hours of jail time. She paid a grand total of 204.00, spent time in jail, and suffered complete humiliation all for not paying her bill on time.
Is it really worth it? I think not.
Moral of the story: Pay your bills on time, and if you can’t afford to, pick up the phone and work out a payment plan!
Confession: I just paid my $12.00 fine I owed to the library, no jail time for me!
~Mia
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
The Brooklyn Public Library threatened me with collections two years ago. I think my fine was like $60. I didn’t pay it and they still let me check out books.
Great Post Mia!
Ha! This is why I buy the books I wanna read, lol.
So true! It’s so easy to ignore those notices that seem so insignificant. My motivation is seeing the fees and charges that start to accrue!
And Mia, that is great advice to get on the phone if you can’t pay the bill. It works! (sometimes) But the chance of avoiding a fee is always worth it!