Library fines still count...

In these tight economic times, I've decided to spend a lot more time at my local library - that would be the Raleigh Court library close enough to Patrick Henry to attract high school loiterers who daren't enter.

As with every time I enter a library, I am bowled over at the amount of free media, from books to movies to audio books and comics. I often kick myself in the pants for failing to take full advantage of these public resources more often. I spot books that I've bought sitting on the shelves mocking me, or other books I've delayed reading because I haven't saved up the money to buy them yet.

And so, I've become an avid library shopper, using their every resource to the point where I know the employees and they recognize and greet me when I enter. Having come from Arizona State, I wasn't used to the idea that something could be unavailable, which I find is often the case at the tiny Raleigh Court branch. Yet fear not, due to the wonder that is inter-library loan, I simply request books from other libraries and they are delivered - just for me - the the Raleigh Court branch. I get an email when they're ready to be picked up, and I feel like one of those giddy people at the post office picking up a package.

As you might imagine, I begin to feel a little guilty for enjoying all of this and giving very little back (save for the zillion or so tax dollars I've given Uncle Sammy without an itemized receipt). I entertained donating, and promised myself that I'd strongly think about it when I'm not hip-deep in copies of The New Yorker, graphic novels, DVDs, and hardcover books.

And then I discovered how to check my late fees online. Hmmmm. And all this time I erroneously believed that they were just really lenient on when I returned their stuff. It rings in somewhere around $20 for the last couple of months, still one heck-of-a bargain. Having asked the guy manning the counter when they'd come to collect, he told me that - until it reaches $25 - there's no time limit. So I certainly don't mind handing over a coupla tenners every now and then when I've gotten so much out of their services.

But let's be clear: I now consider my late fees a fitting donation.