30 Cents

I work in a Library.  I have for over 30 years.  The Library, like every other place of business has terms and conditions of use.  One of those is Late Item Fees, better known as OVERDUE Fines!

When a person signs for a Library Card, they accept the responsibility of proper care & use of materials as well as adhering to loan periods.

Where I work, you can borrow most items for THREE (3) weeks and renew them Three (3) times, unless there is a request/hold on that item, for a total of TWELVE (12) Weeks...that's like 84 days. 

You can renew your item by telephone, in person at ANY Library in our system, or online.  Heck, we even send you a 3-day warning e-mail as a reminder of the due date, if that's what you request.

So then, what's the big whine about a book being 1 day late and owing 30 cents? I mean, really, if you don't want to pay your fines, fine, don't.....you can still check-out materials until that magic limit is reached..... If you're decent and have a really good reason, we even consider giving you a break on your fines (as well as your arm).....

However, please remember, we do explain it ALL to you (shades of Sister Mary Ignatius) when you register for a Library Card (we even give you a printed copy of our policies).....  So GET OVER IT...pay the 30 cents but, Do NOT scream at the staff or call them nasty names as if it's their fault for your being remiss.