Today, I went to a library to return a book that I've had for years. After a heated discussion with the librarian, not only did she charge me over a hundred dollars for the book, she also called the cops to escort me out. FML
Collection
Fall
Dead leaves, the first cold of the season and an umbrella flipped inside out: fall, the season of grace.
Today, I tried to return a library book sneakily to avoid the overdue fine. I slid it on the counter but the scanner screamed, lights flashed, and the librarian announced my humiliatingly overdue name like a game show host. FML
Today, I rushed from work so I could get to the library to return a book that was due. The library closes at 7:00 p.m. I arrived at 6:56, huffing and puffing. The lady saw me, slammed the door in my face, and locked it. I now have to pay a late fee for 4 minutes. FML
Today, I was at the library. I went near the computer section when I saw this man cursing and pounding his fists on a computer. He left. I thought I'd check it out. As I sat down, a librarian came over with the security guard and pointed at me. I'm now being fined for destroying public property. FML
Today, I found out that someone found my lost library card, and instead of returning it, took out multiple items. If they don't return them, I'm on the hook to paying over $100 for them. FML
Today, I was in the library when police arrested me for threatening people. The librarian even told them I did nothing wrong, and that the actual girl they wanted had already left. They took me in anyway. My dad sided with the police and let me “think about what I did” in jail overnight. FML
Today, I went to the library to bring back some books, I walked up to the counter and the librarian turned to me and said "What can I do for you young man?" I'm a girl. FML
Today, I'm just a simple librarian. Last week, we had to call the cops on two separate aggressive patrons. Today, I had to call the cops yet again. WTF? FML
Today, I was at the library doing research for my midterm. All of the computers were in use, so I decided to use my laptop instead. Ten minutes later, I was confronted and kicked out. My offense? Unauthorized use of the library's so-called "Free Public WiFi". FML
Today, I went to the public library for the first time ever. The librarian told me I couldn't get a library card because I had an outstanding balance of $130.00 from 1995. I was born in 1991. FML
Today, my friend wasn't responding to my whispers in the library, so I walked over and very slightly moved his chair. At that exact moment, the librarian walked in. Regardless of our efforts to tell her anything, she got us banned from the library. FML
Feel like sharing it with the other FML users?
Thanks, your FML was submitted, and will appear in the moderation queue soon!
Top comments
babyblueyes 27
Well you kinda deserve it for having the book for so long...
Bunaf 4
At least you did the right thing in returning the book.
Add a comment · Reply to
You must be logged in to be able to post comments!
Comments (100)
Quizzical 8
I think it's one of the Library Commandments, after thou shalt Not Damage the Book.
deemarie13 14
I think they can only legally charge u fines up to the worth of the book. I would look into that.
lochiamochia 25
What book was it OP? 'The Velveteen Rabbit' you checked out in elementary school? And now that you are finally going to college and moving out of your parent's house and have found it, you decided to return it? Should of just kept it and read it to your kids.
katties 27
FYL. I don't understand why people think YDI. It's the library's fault that it doesn't manage to keep track of the books. You actually gave it back and they punished you - it doesn't really help them - it will only make more people not want to give the books back when the library forgets to fine them. You actually didn't take advantage of their poorly working system, while that librarian is a greedy bitch!
blinksmilewink 23
' LoLWut?? nd Why??' Is the username related to the story? Because if it is, I can't believe you're asking yourself that.
chick92282 15
Remember, guys, we don't know what the book was. Some libraries have books that are actually pretty darn expensive, though most don't let them leave the building. It's possible that the $100 fine WAS the cost of replacing the book, which is how it got to be so high. OP, YDI.
charvisioku 22
I don't know the back story so although the fine sounds ridiculous to me, I can't really comment... but the police? What a stupid woman. She wants to be careful there; if she ever actually needs them to help with a real problem they probably won't take her seriously.
RedPillSucks 33
Perhaps OP made a scene. OP: "What? A hunnurt dolla! Ain't no way I'm payin' a hunnurt dolla fo no damn book. *neck rolling* Ain't nobody got time fo dat" Librarian: "Hello? 911"
m1989_fml 10
Where I live, after a certain amount of years, all overdue fees and books are removed from the system... I'd had overdue fees and lost books in 2004. When I went to the library a couple years ago to pay them, they said that I had no outstanding debts, and that I wasn't even in the system anymore.
Black_Cat_13 7
YDI. Some books cost over $100 and some libraries charge different amounts based on the type of book (non-fiction, young adult, reference). Some even charge the price of replacing the book plus the late fee after a certain time period, regardless if it was a donated book or not. Some libraries do have certain days that they will forgive fees if the book is returned that day. Dropping it off only works if you never plan on going to that libraries or any connected electronically as the outstanding fee would still be on file. Most libraries refuse to lend to people once they accumulate a certain amount of fees. The "heated argument" is probably what got the OP a police escort. If OP was causing a scene, the librarian was within her rights to have them removed. Personally, I'm glad some libraries have fines with some teeth. My library charges chump change for late fees and has a maximum you can be charged. It is aggravating when the idiot that checks out the same book you requested doesn't return it for months and there is no real incentive for them too. I might not be able to afford all the books I want to read but I can afford those late fees. Way to go, strict library! You keep doing what you're doing!
BobbieH 19
Did you think the librarian would be pleased with you? Reading is fundamental; returning a book after a year and not expecting large fines and being treated like a criminal is fundamentally stupid.