We know how much you love to read books, which is a great thing! For one couple, it got them into some trouble.
A Michigan couple had some long overdue library books, including a Dr. Seuss book. The library eventually contacted the couple requesting that they return the books and pay the late fees. If they did not, the library would contact the police and they would be charged with a misdemeanor crime, punishable by almost 100 days in jail and a $500 fine. The couple did not pay the full fee and now await the longer-term decision of the judge. Currently, the couple is out on their $100 bail.
Getting arrested for not returning a library book on time is definitely not something anyone thinks happens, but it does. As the lead prosecutor in the case argues, “it is not about a library book. It is a program to recover taxpayer money.” Libraries lose thousands of dollars each year due to unreturned books. For this particular library, that amount is $10,000.
It is not really hard to return a library book on time, so just do it. Then check it out again if you want to keep reading it. If you do not, you may have to pay a couple hundred bucks and even stay in jail.