CNN.com reports:

BAY CITY, Michigan (AP) — Keeping library books too long could soon land some readers in jail. Frustrated librarians want the worst offenders to face criminal charges and up to 90 days behind bars. “We want to go after some of the people who owe us a lot of money,” said Frederick J. Paffhausen, the library’s system director. “We want to set an example.”

One patron from Bad Axe owes $1,190 for 73 items — mainly science-fiction books — hoarded for more than a year, Paffhausen said.

Chilling. (cue ominous music and crash of thunder)

I’ve had some substantial library fines in my day, but that one takes the cake. I think my worst was for a Sherlock Holmes treasury, a couple years ago. I think the book had been lost and/or forgotten, and then found some time later.

When I finally did return it, the librarian behind the big desk looked it up on her computer.

“My goodness,” she said involuntarily. Then she was a little embarrassed for me, and whispered the rest. “It’s twelve dollars!”

I paid it, but such episodes have further driven me to used book stores instead of libraries. I now have the Complete Sherlock Holmes (two volumes) and the Complete Works Of Edgar Allen Poe, for an outlay of only about $10. For as long as I need them.

Reading the above article reminded me that I actually have a book out from our local library right now. It’s due Monday. And I’ve only read the first three chapters.

Sigh. Such is life, I suppose.