Houston : A US library has decided to enforce jail sentences for overdue books in a bid to recover about USD 200,000 worth of missing materials, a step that could land many forgetful people in hot water.
In its effort to recoup overdue materials, Athens- Limestone Public Library in Alabama will be enforcing an ordinance that prescribes fines and the possibility of jail time.
According to a city ordinance, it is unlawful for any person who has a library card to ‘fail or refuse to return’ any materials borrowed or withdrawn from the public library.
Any person who violates the ordnance may receive a fine of up to USD 100, be sentenced to a city jail term of 30 days or possibly both at the discretion of the municipal judge, the News Courier reported. Library Director Paul Laurita was quoted as saying that resorting to enforcing the ordinance was necessary because offenders are not only stealing from the library, but also from other library patrons and taxpayers.
