Library problem

[Blef1974]

I have a shameful secret. I took my children to the library in November, they chose books then I got ill. I have a mental health condition which means that sometimes life gets a bit chaotic for a while.

Anyhow I realised a couple of weeks ago that we still have the books. I'm now scared though to take them back in case there is a fine (I don't know if they charge fines for children's books) as I'm a single mum and don't have loads of spare cash.

I've even tried to come up with ideas of how I can get the books back to the library so they have them back without being charged a whopping fine. I really do feel guilty about having the books.

Please, please don't tell me off.

No the childrens books are not charged. You had a reason and please dont feel guilty.

Ring the library and explain it to them- certainly there is no fine as far as I am aware.

Ours don't charge for overdue children's books. If you're worried, check out your council's website to see what the charges are. No-one will be angry - just take them back and blame it on the DC.

I'm sure they'd rather have the books back than not! Just be polite and apologetic - they must have seen it before. No fine for children at our library.

Earlier this week, I returned a whole load of library books (children's and adults' ones) that we had had since November. And I don't have any valid reason like you do, I was just pathologically disorganised and buried my head in the sand about it.

Our library service does charge for children's books, but only up to a maximum of £1 per title. You can also view your library record online to work out how much you're in for before you go. With our library, they have a 'maximum loan period' too, so that you don't rack up 5 months worth of fines, they just stop it after however long.

Anyway, I'm not explaining this very well, but I had 9 books to take back and the total fine was £15 (and most of that was adult books). And they were very pleasant and not judgy - you don't have to explain yourself, just say you have some very overdue books and would like to clear your record.