Need help with a citation

[Search4Lancer]

I know this is rather silly, and completely my fault, but it could put me out nearly $200 that I certainly can't afford and tarnish my otherwise spotless record. Here goes...

Sometime last year, I bummed a book from the library - The White Plague, by Frank Herbert. I had read the book before, but couldn't remember how it ended, so I wanted to read it again. Anyway, the due date was June 23. It took me quite a while to read, having to find the time to squeeze a few pages in, and I never bothered to renew it. Somewhere along the line, they sent a notice. Alright, I've got to read it faster, no big deal. Well, after I finished it, it sat in my truck so I would remember to return it, then it got buried in my truck because it's a mess in there, then I sat it on the counter next to the door for fear of it's safety (and so I would remember to return it). A couple of weeks ago, I returned it to a closer county library, finally. All is well and good, right? Today, I checked my mail to find a summons and citation. Here's the nitty gritty:

Fine: 50
Costs: 122
Other (Restitution Requested): 19.95, for the library fine, process fee, and certified letter from the notice they sent.

Interestingly enough, the original amount on the citation includes the material cost, to replace the book, which is then crossed out and corrected. Which means, they had the citation written and filed, then received the book, but refused to drop the charges. The only other thing I notice that's a little "funny" is the date of the offense on the citation: 6/27/07. Granted, that is after the book was due, but according to Pennsylvania law (as per www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/libraries/lib/libraries/Library_Law_Manual_3-7-07.pdf ), "Whoever retains any book... for a period exceeding thirty (30) days after such library has given written notice to return the same, shall, upon conviction in summary proceedings, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars..." which leads me to believe that no crime was committed until 30 days after they sent the letter. I don't know if that's of any benefit to me or if it would just annoy the judge.

In any case, I plan to offer twice the restitution to the library for having to deal with me, but was wondering if anyone has any advice in case that combined with my groveling aren't good enough.

[Lloyd Danforth]

Move to New Hampshire.  Or, you could just tell them to shit in their hat.