Emily's Overdue Secret

Some people invest money wisely; they enquire about ISA’s, open a high interest savings account or buy stocks or shares in a company. Other people like my wife, Emily invest in libraries. Now don’t assume that because Emily loves books she kindly donates money by direct debit each month enabling the library to by lots of encyclopaedias; that would be known as a false assumption.

Emily is fantastic at returning books late, this leads to large library fines. I hoped that by moving to the other side of the world she might leave this annoying habit behind, my hope was crushed yesterday.

In the (internal) post came the notice, OVERDUE book. The school didn’t know Emily’s past before they allowed her to borrow books, if they had they would have kindly and politely sent her packing. They didn’t know better and it would seem Emily didn’t either; here she had a clean slate, a chance to break this pattern of behaviour, to learn a better way.

The school has the most dangerous policy when it comes to overdue library books; it dangerous because they don’t charge any fines to members of staff. Emily (aka the chicken) sent me to return the book. When I returned giving the news about there being no fine Emily punched the air letting out a relieved and satisfied YES!

This is the worst possible outcome for Emily (as I see it). What incentive is there for her to ever return library books on time; the library will have to raid the dorm in search of overdue books if they ever want to get them back.

If this habit is not turned around I fear that the £18 fines I’ve paid in the past in UK libraries will double or even triple when we return home. I think she may need some help in the future.