CCJ for library fine?

[patchworkelephant123]

Help I'm panicking! I've had a letter this morning, first letter I've ever received, never had a reminder previously. The letter states my 2 year old has a library book overdue, and has been since April. Absolutely agree I shouldn't have let it get overdue. I just forgot which is no excuse. I've found the book and will return it straight away.

However, the letter states i owe £65 in fines and they will seek a judgement in 30 days if it's not paid. I absolutely do not have £65, I have £35 to last me 9 days and after that it'll be the same case, bills go out when money comes in. The letter isn't addressed to me directly, just 'the carer of DC'. Help has anyone had experience of this? I find it so odd no previous reminder has ever been received and I'm really worrying.

Oh goodness

< no helpful advice >

Go to the library and speak to them. We had racked up considerable fines but after explaining to the librarian how it was all DH's fault, she kindly reduced them to £10.

We hadn't had a letter though which could change things. Best thing to do is speak to them.

Take the book back and explain. At ours there are no fines for children's books, or maximum to pay is cost of replacing the book.

I get with funding cuts that things may have changed, but I was under the impression that childrens books, being loaned by children didnt incur a fine if late? Or at least, thats my recollection of how it used to be (I may be completely wrong though!!!)

Go and talk to the staff at the library OP...

Go to the library and explain. If they don’t help (which they almost certainly will), contact your local councillor.

I’m surprised there are fines for children, don’t see how it’s enforceable
Take it back, apologise profusely and the Librarian might be able to help

That is odd children’s card should not have fines attached at all

It doesn’t sound very library like

Look up your local councillor on the councils website. Email him or her and ask for their help in solving this. This sort of admin muddle is what they're good at putting straight. I doubt you'll have to pay £65 though.

Library peoe are usually the nicest people. Second the advice to go and talk to them, maybe you can work something out.

That's seems a large fine of approx 25p a day.
I think you need to go into the library with the letter and tell them you have never received a previous reminder and could you have copies of the reminders they sent.
You need to see what their process is for overdue books and when the first reminder should have been sent.
And they need to suspend the process of a ccj whilst you try and sort out what's happening.

If they insist you are liable for the fine then you need to come to an arrangement to pay it e.g. a £1 a month.
Have a letter ready to back up your conversation re the above. And be sure they sign your copy of letter to say they recd letter.
It's your first reminder
You don't physically have the money.
It sounds like the initial reminders were never sent in which case you should probably only pay the first overdue fine.
Are you sure they don't normally text reminders and you have changed mobile number? If so then you will need to factor that in.

My library has fines on children's books.

That is odd children’s card should not have fines attached at all
This must depend on the region. Ours has very small fines for childrens books - I think it is 10p per week.

Was the book taken out on an adult ticket? If so that would explain the amount, but most librarys have a limit on fines even for adults, and no charges (other than loosing/damaging the book) on childrens issues.

Go to the library explain, then see what they do.

Surprised at a public library fining a child. Our public library service does not charge fines for late books until age 16. They also issue pre-overdue emails so it's very easy to renew online or return in time.
This seems excessively heavy handed- and it is odd if you have received no communication about it until a draconian demand.
Go and speak to a librarian. They may not have the authority to cancel the charge but, usually, libraries are pleased to get the book back.
Libraries should encourage young readers... but equally you should be responsible about the books you borrow on your child's behalf.

I'm a library assistant and agree with previous posters - don't worry, go to the library and speak to someone there. My authority doesn't charge fines on a child's card, but for example, if we don't have a date of birth the system assumes the card to be for an adult and racks up the charges. There will be a simple explanation. We are all lovely - if you get someone who isn't, then ask for someone else! Good luck and don't let it put you off libraries

Yep; you need to visit the library. My library has a similar charging fee for anything taken out on an adult ticket, but if you see them face to face, I believe they're quite good at sorting it out.

Thanks so much for the advice everyone - I'll go to the library as soon as I can and try and get it sorted. It was taken out on my 2Yo ticket so not mine. The letter isn't addressed to me directly but to the parent of X.

I just can't believe how large it is, and whilst I appreciate that I shouldn't have let it go overdue I could replace the book for so much cheaper. Thankfully I still have it!