Not returning borrowed items is theft

Last week there was a news story on television news about a Rogers woman who was jailed because she had three overdue books from the Rogers Public Library. That story hit Facebook and a firestorm began. The value of the books was over $279.50. The borrower had been sent four letters and the library had attempted to reach her by telephone but there had been no response. Of the dozens of people who posted comments on Facebook most felt the action of the library was wrong. Several said it was no big deal, it was just library books. One response was that most library books were donated anyway. Not true. While a number of books are donated to the library, the odds are that most of those books have already been purchased by the library. These donated books are then offered for sale with the proceeds going to purchase new materials.

I was shocked at the attitude of those commenting. Several didn't think we needed libraries, while others felt it was okay to borrow books and not return them. What about the other people who are waiting to read those books? Is it fair to them?

At least one person thought people should just go to the internet for their reading material. That may work for some people but there are others who do not own a computer or other digital device on which to obtain reading material. Some library patrons can not afford a computer and the monthly internet fees. Many of us just like holding a book while reading. Several of our patrons have a Nook or similar device that they use when traveling.

Libraries offer much more than just books. Public use computers are very popular in most libraries including ours. DVDs are also offered at many libraries and we loan out a large number of them each month. Children, teen and adult programs and activities are offered in larger libraries.

Meeting rooms are available for public use. Ours, though small, has been used by the Literacy Council of Benton County and others for tutoring; by Congressman Steve Womack's Office to meet with local citizens, by college and high school students for a quiet place to do homework; and recently by a Girl Scout who presented a nutrition program.

If libraries must continue to replace items borrowed and not returned, everyone suffers. Applications for a library card clearly state that the person who has a card issued in their name is responsible for the cost of any items damaged or borrowed and not returned. Try leaving a business establishment without paying and see what happens. Theft is theft -- be it of a library book, a tank of gas or the laptop or wallet you left in your unlocked vehicle overnight. Your tax money funds our library; so simply stated patrons who don't return the items they borrow are stealing from you.

So people do the right thing -- return those library books by the date stamped in them. We will all benefit. The library will run smoother and my blood pressure will be lowered a few points!

See you at the library!

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Editor's note: Peggy Maddox is the librarian of the Pea Ridge Community Library. She can be reached at the library at 451-8442 or by mail at P.O. Box 9, Pea Ridge, AR 72751. The Pea Ridge Community Library has a Facebook site.