Thursday, November 17, 2016

unexpected benefit

I pay my bills on time.

In high school and college, I don't think I ever submitted a paper late.

And I don't let gift cards or airline miles expire.

Similar to clutter, I find it unsettling to miss a deadline.

So I am very conscious when I take a book from the library of returning (or renewing it) on time. It's not the twenty-five cent per day fine that motivates me. It's more the idea that I don't want to be late. (Maybe that I inherited from my mom, though arriving at places hours early I view differently).

My library book The Fall Guy by James Lasdun (I don't recommend it —too wordy, unlikeable characters, and not enough action) was due a couple of days ago. I had tried to renew it but there were too many holds on it.

I finish the book and go to return it today. I should owe fifty-cents.

The line is longer than it should be, as there is only one person at the check-out desk.

Person number one is having a lengthy conversation about her account. I have no idea what the possible conversation could be but it's taking forever and the line is growing.

Person number two is waiting for the five DVD's he has on hold. The library person has to leave the desk and go retrieve them.

Person number three is returning a BIG RED BAG (yes, that's what it says on the bag) full of books. At least ten.

And finally it's my turn. 

I hand over my book.

"That'll be thirty cents."

"How can it be thirty cents?" I ask.  "Shouldn't my fine be a multiple of 25?"

"The senior rate is fifteen cents a day." 

"Oh. Okay. Thanks," I say and leave.

I tell M the story and she says, "Wow, that's terrible. He looked at you and assumed you were a senior."

I had thought (rather hoped) my birth date was attached to my library account and any fines are automatically calculated.

But just to be sure...

I call the library and ask.

Yes, I am right.

Thank you city of New York for another senior benefit.






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