Sticky-fingered librarians brought to book
An affidavit led to the swift appearance of the 'missing' library books.
A COUPLE’S bad experience at a local library has prompted them to warn other library users to be extra careful when returning their books.
If this was a chapter in a Harry Potter novel, Harry’s legendary powers would probably have made these missing library books magically appear. However, in this instance, it was an affidavit which caused the library books to emerge almost immediately.
The couple handed their books in at the library, but some time later were told that the books had in fact not been returned and that a fine was payable for the ‘overdue’ items. “We paid the R15 fine because we did not want to cause a fuss. But when we asked for a receipt, we were told the library did not issue receipts,” said the husband.
The couple said they knew they had returned the books in question and decided to have affidavits to this effect drawn up and signed at the police station. When the librarians saw the police stamp, they immediately reached under the counter and produced all five of the ‘missing’ books. “We demanded that they refund the R15, which they did,” he said.
The librarians apologised profusely, and the couple decided against taking the matter further as they feared the employees would lose their jobs. They do however urge library users to make sure their books are scanned when they are returned and to insist they see on the computer that the transaction has been completed.
When Hibiscus Coast Municipality spokesman, Simon Soboyisa was informed of the incident, he said the municipality would conduct an internal investigation into the matter as it tarnishes the municipality’s image. He added that HCM libraries do not issue receipts unless one is specifically requested.
“The computer system does have a way to keep record of fines paid. The library unit will investigate why a receipt was not issued as per the request from the patron,” he said. “There is also a book at the counter wherein all fines received are recorded daily. It is important to note that the amounts reflected in the book and those captured on the computer must correlate,” he said.
