The Observation Deck

Interesting article on why it might be time for libraries to give up fines. Maybe it's something Lakewood Library should consider?

Is the lifting of library fines long overdue?

This can be argued from different perspectives, depending on the community values.

I have never heard that carrying money is an inconveniece, and therefore fines should be eliminated.

I have always argued that fines should be calibrated in a way to ensure attention and respect for the transaction, the need for turn-around, but not pegged at a confiscatory level.

I have had parents tell me that they like the idea of nominal fines which they use to teach their children responsibility.

In Lakewood, fines are capped at $1 per item and $10 per bundle.

Fines raised amount to about $80,000 per year.

A citizen's committee in 2001 did not recommend the elimination or increase in fines.

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

Ken--

Do we have a "library cop" like in Seinfeld?
He's one of my all-time favorite characters!

Mike:

Although I am a librarian and book worm, I can't quite answer your question, because I never got around to watching Seinfeld.

I am aware of the "Soup Nazi." Someone I ejected from the library for abusive behavior and breach of civil conduct once called me the "library Nazi," along with some other savory words.

Is this cop any relation to the Soup Nazi?

Kenneth Warren

Imagine Joe Friday on the trail of unreturned library books. That was the "library cop."

dl meckes wrote:Imagine Joe Friday on the trail of unreturned library books. That was the "library cop."

Yes and the writers while in the moment of such great fun, named him Bookman (pronounced quickly as in bookmun).

Marion: This case has been turned over to our investigations officer Mr. Bookman. Kramer: Bookman?, the library investigator's name is Bookman?, come on.
Marion: It's true. Kramer;
That's amazing, that's like an ice cream man named cone....

A classic Bookman quote while showing up at Jerry's apartment:
BOOKMAN: You took this book out in 1971.
JERRY: Yes, and I returned it in 1971.
BOOKMAN: Yeah, '71. That was my first year on the job. Bad year for libraries.
Bad year for America. Hippies burning library cards, Abby Hoffman
telling everybody to steal books. I don't judge a man by the length of
his hair or the kind of music he listens to. Rock was never my bag. But
you put on a pair of shoes when you walk into the New York Public
Library, fella.
JERRY: Look, Mr. Bookman. I--I returned that book. I remember it very
specifically.
BOOKMAN: You're a comedian, you make people laugh.
JERRY: I try.
BOOKMAN: You think this is all a big joke, don't you?
JERRY: No, I don't.
BOOKMAN: I saw you on T.V. once; I remembered your name--from my list. I looked it up. Sure enough, it checked out. You think because you're a celebrity that somehow the law doesn't apply to you, that you're above the law?
JERRY: Certainly not.
BOOKMAN: Well, let me tell you something, funny boy. Y'know that little stamp,
the one that says "New York Public Library"? Well that may not mean
anything to you, but that means a lot to me. One whole hell of a lot.
Sure, go ahead, laugh if you want to. I've seen your type before:
Flashy, making the scene, flaunting convention. Yeah, I know what you're
thinking. What's this guy making such a big stink about old library
books? Well, let me give you a hint, junior. Maybe we can live without
libraries, people like you and me. Maybe. Sure, we're too old to change
the world, but what about that kid, sitting down, opening a book, right
now, in a branch at the local library and finding drawings of pee-pees
and wee-wees on the Cat in the Hat and the Five Chinese Brothers?
Doesn't HE deserve better? Look. If you think this is about overdue
fines and missing books, you'd better think again. This is about that
kid's right to read a book without getting his mind warped! Or: maybe
that turns you on, Seinfeld; maybe that's how y'get your kicks. You and
your good-time buddies. Well I got a flash for ya, joy-boy: Party time
is over. Y'got seven days, Seinfeld. That is one week!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Library_(Seinfeld)