Library Fines and Lessons Learned

One of the cool things about our new house is it is around the corner from our public libary. Literally, around the corner. I just measured the distance with my car’s odometer (I was running a non-walkable errand and figured I’d see exactly how far away the library is from the house), and it’s 3/10 of a mile from my driveway to the library’s front door. Now we have no reason not to take advantage of one of society’s most cost-effective resource for readers–the library.

I realize that when it comes to money-saving advice, saying “Take out books from the public library” doesn’t seem to be fresh or revolutionary advice. According to the American Library Association, Americans made a cumulative total of 1.3 billion library visits last year. But for this family of four, which spent close to $800 on books last year, it is a revolutionary concept.

For years we’ve been lucky enough to be this way–when we wanted a book, we bought a book. Whether it was going online to Amazon or Barnes and Noble, or popping in to a local branch of our favorite bookstore, a book was always an indulgence we allowed. As I mentioned we spent almot $800 on books last year.

Now, by embracing the public library next door, we might just have found an excellent way to keep on reading while keeping our book costs in check. Well, that is, as long as we borrow and return responsibly.

You see, when I went to the library with Jane this afternoon to get her a card–and me one, too–the library’s computer system reminded me that at one point I did have a library card. If I wanted a new one, I had to pay a $3 card replacement fee. Fine. Sure. Whatever. Then the system showed that back in 2005, I’d taken out three books and two videos (for the kids, of course) and hadn’t returned them on time. So I’d had fines accruing in the system for two years. That meant that in addition to paying for my replacement card, I needed to fork over $13.50 in fines as well. All told, I paid the library $16.50 today, and I hope never to spend another (unintentional) dime there again.

This actually turned into an interesting lesson on money for Jane. I explained to her why I needed to pay the library this money. I also explained that now that she had a library card and was respoinsible for it, that she, too, could be liable for late fines if she didn’t return books on time. And if she did accrue fines, it would be coming out of her own pocket, not mine. I’m hoping that Jane will do a better job of staying fine-free at the library than I had.

So from here on in, if I want to read something–magazine, newspaper or book–I’m walking that 3/10 of a mile to the library. I’m holding my husband and the girls to these expectations, too. The only exception to the rule will be if and when I get a bookstore gift card as a gift. Though if I’m really going to be frugal about our new lifestyle, I’ll save that gift card, not for buying a book for myself but for when I need to buy someone else a gift–and want to get him or her a book. That would be a great way to do some necessary shopping without putting a dent in my own budget.