Justice Served in Overdue Library Book Case

Shelly Koontz did not return her library book "The Freedom Writers Diary" on time. She was arrested and charged. Now, she has a good story to tell her own diary. The charges were dropped. In return Koontz agreed to pay court cost (about $50), return the book and pay $13.95 (the cost of the book.)

Woman Arrested for Overdue Library Book

How long do you have to keep a library book before police come after you? A woman in Jesup, Iowa found out. Shelly Koontz borrowed the book " The Freedom Writers Diary" in April. Police caught up with her this week.

The library tried to get her to return the book. They made four phone calls, sent three letters, one certified letter and finally in September a police officer went to her home and talked to one of her daughters. By October, the library called police again. What's the value of the book? About $13.95. The police chief said “theft is theft, no matter what it is.”

What do you think it cost the library and the police department to go after Koontz? Was it more than $14? Yes, there is a principle, but I wonder if there are bigger crimes in Jesup. Koontz is out of jail and no longer lives in Jesup. Here are some basic facts about Jesup.