Forbush Memorial Library back when they didn't have late fees.

Think it’s ok to let that library book linger on the to-be-read pile? Not so terrible you accidentally shelved it with your own books? Got it in the backseat of the car to drop off the next time you go by the library? Well, not so easy, my friend. The next knock on the door could be the police!

If you live in Westminster, MA, that is. “An overdue book from the library could cost you more than just late fees in Westminster,” according to this report by News 7 Massachussetts.”Forbush Memorial Library patrons who fail to return their loans on time now have their names forwarded to the local police department and could even receive a visit from officers.”

“Usually, they’re rattled. They pay attention. It’s too bad it’s come to this, but in total, we have collected close to $3,000 dollars of what was owed the town,” Westminster library director Margaret Howe-Soper told New 7.

“Police only go after tardy library patrons when the department is not tied up with more important manners. Officers also only call on those readers who have ignored multiple warnings,” New 7 reassured their viewers.

Apparently, the library did not have any kind of overdue fees, but then they noticed their shelves where emptying out…. Time to get serious. Their loses had reached $8,000. And they have a $55,000 new materials budget to meet. So, late fees will be set at 10 cents per day.

Heads up out there in Westminster. Don’t make them come after you….