The Streets of Buchanan County Iowa are safer tonight.

[oneforone]

An Iowa woman has been arrested because she failed to return a library book.

Thirty-nine-year-old Shelly Koontz was arrested Thursday night on a fifth-degree theft charge. She is accused of keeping "The Freedom Writers Diary," which she checked out from the public library in nearby Jesup in April.

Police say the book—which is about a high school teacher's effort to inspire students to write—is valued at $13.95.

Court records show library employees tried repeatedly to contact Koontz by phone and mail. A police officer even visited her home last September.

Officials at the Buchanan County jail say Koontz was released after posting $250 bond. No telephone listing for Koontz could be found in the Independence area.

This reminds me of that episode of Seinifeld with the Bookman the Library Cop.

I know libraries have a problem with overdue books;however, putting people in jail is just ridiculous. Why not do away with fines and establish a membership fee. Better yet let people lease the books like Redbox once the fee reaches the price of the book it is yours.

What's next grocery stores hiring off duty police to stop people from eating grapes. I can see it now.... Guy eats a grape, the cops rush from the back room screaming FREEZE DIRTBAG..... SPIT IT OUT... SPIT OUT...

[trousers]

Wheres Bookman when you need him?

[OKCMallen]

Pretty absurd. I think the law is probably fine how it is; the DA/cops shouldn't have acted on this.