Council threatens eight-year-old boy with debt collector over late library book (From News Shopper)
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Bromley Council threatens eight-year-old boy with debt collector over late library book
9:48am Wednesday 14th September 2011 in News By David Mills
A MOTHER says she was “horrified” when her eight-year-old son was threatened with referral to a debt collector after he was late returning a library book.
Jamie Rogers, of Lodge Close, Orpington, burst into tears when his mother Michelle explained what the overdue reminder letter from Bromley’s Central Library meant.
The youngster and his six-year-old brother Kai had borrowed several books as part of Bromley Libraries Circus Stars, a summer challenge designed to get kids reading.
But when Jamie forgot to return A Very Fishy Battle by Jeremy Strong, he got an unpleasant surprise through the post.
Addressed to Jamie, the letter asked him to return or renew the book, before adding: “If you believe that you no longer have these items, please contact the library immediately, as you may be referred to a Debt Collection service.”
The book was due to be returned on August 11.
Bromley libraries do not fine children for overdue books.
Michelle, 38, said: “I was horrified.
“What is the world coming to when you have to threaten an eight-year-old for an overdue library book?
“For a start children's books are not charged when they're overdue and surely a gentle reminder that a book has been out for a while might be sufficient, instead of a threatening letter of this manner.”
Recalling when Jamie opened the letter, Michelle said: “The first thing he said to me was I don’t understand. When I explained he was really upset. I had to tell him not to worry. He thought we were talking police and he’d have to go to court.
“Even before he went to school on Monday he said ‘you will take my book back won’t you?’”
She added: “I will be in two minds as to whether my children borrow books from the library again if this is the way they are treated.
“If it was not for the fact I take them there a lot I’d be tempted to go stuff you then, but I don’t think that’s fair on the kids.”
A Bromley Council spokeswoman said: “The letter is a standard secondary notice which is sent out after an initial letter when books are more than two weeks overdue.
"Children’s books are not charged overdue fees but we have a duty to ensure that books are available for everyone after their initial loan period and to make sure that they are returned.
"We do apologise that the letter was incorrectly addressed to the child and we have amended our records accordingly."
Comments(23)
EverardEdbutt
says...
10:24am Wed 14 Sep 11
As the previous comment has said-It is the Mothers fault, she has to sign the agreement with the library, not her son.
I suspect she knows this, hence no picture of the Mother
We all know from previous (non) stories involving children that the parents often end up photographed with their child.
Just an excuse to have your kids pictured in the paper.
I bet she has or will buy copies of the photograph from News Shopper.
jca111
says...
10:35am Wed 14 Sep 11
the wall
says...
10:41am Wed 14 Sep 11
Biscuit
says...
10:44am Wed 14 Sep 11
And he's hardly been 'threatened with debt collectors'. Its just standard procedure for people who don't return books and ignore reminders.
londonlive
says...
10:45am Wed 14 Sep 11
BickleyBoy
says...
10:49am Wed 14 Sep 11
So she ignored the first letter and then complains when the second letter is a little sterner?!?
Two easy solutions to avoid getting these notices: 1. Take the books back on time, 2. Take the books back after the first reminder!
Dionysus
says...
10:57am Wed 14 Sep 11
Mr JH
says...
11:22am Wed 14 Sep 11
Virtual-Monster
says...
12:17pm Wed 14 Sep 11
Mr JH wrote:The problem is that the parent didn’t ensure that the book was returned on time and ignored the first warning letter.
The problem is that Councils - and indeed large multi-national companies - have lost the human touch these days. Letters are computer generated, so it's a case of "the computer says" so that's it. Surely it wouldn't be too much to ask that a human being is asked to give letters the once over before they are despatched to ensure they are appropriate? It would save cases like this happening and would do a lot for the organisational reputation of Councils etc.
Maybe if individuals in society took more responsibility for their actions (inaction in this case) then Councils wouldn’t have to waste money sending out letters in the first place.
goldenbroomboy
says...
12:34pm Wed 14 Sep 11
Biscuit wrote:Basically Bromley Library messed up, and sent out a standard letter when somebody should have noticed that the borrower is a minor. And yes, those letters do frighten people, that is what they are designed to do. However, since Bromley Council have apologised for the error, I do not see what the fuss is about. If Debt Collectors had sent threatening letters after Bromley council were informed that the borrower is a minor then the situation would be very different.
Seriously?!!! Poor kid, his mother has run to the papers to tell everyone that he hasn't bothered to return to a library book and she hasn't bothered to make him. And he's hardly been 'threatened with debt collectors'. Its just standard procedure for people who don't return books and ignore reminders.
bizzymum
says...
12:42pm Wed 14 Sep 11
madras
says...
2:09pm Wed 14 Sep 11
SelinaG
says...
8:12pm Wed 14 Sep 11
leanne101
says...
10:50am Thu 15 Sep 11
reasonable75
says...
1:07pm Thu 15 Sep 11
Note the word may.
"Jamie Rogers, of Lodge Close, Orpington, burst into tears when his mother Michelle explained what the overdue reminder letter from Bromley’s Central Library meant"
So why did she explain it in that way? Surely she could have simply told him he needed to return the book?
proudmummy123
says...
9:09pm Sat 17 Sep 11
sunflower66
says...
9:23pm Sat 17 Sep 11
the wall
says...
9:35am Mon 19 Sep 11
jaded1
says...
10:14am Mon 19 Sep 11
sunflower66
says...
5:34pm Mon 19 Sep 11
the wall wrote:And I suppose none of you have done anything in anger on the spur of the moment and then it's got all blown out of proportion?!? Because everyone that has grumbled here is so perfect obviously. Give the people a break! It's not that important! Maybe the family have learnt never to be taken in by a journlist who's after a story as they've got nothing else to put in the paper!!!
But it's the Mother and / or family member that have rang the news paper. Instead of going to the library and dealing with problem in private. Don't Wash Your Dirty Laundry in Public.
Devin001
says...
2:39pm Tue 20 Sep 11
reasonable75 wrote:Couldn't agree more! A simple explanation to the child that there is a library book that needs to be taken back which they had forgotten about!
"as you may be referred to a Debt Collection service" Note the word may. "Jamie Rogers, of Lodge Close, Orpington, burst into tears when his mother Michelle explained what the overdue reminder letter from Bromley’s Central Library meant" So why did she explain it in that way? Surely she could have simply told him he needed to return the book?
Lot of talk these days about threatening letters re overdue books, late payment of Council Tax, parking fines, etc, but you don't hear very often about the fact that there is a very long gap between initial letters and the taking of actual drastic action - which is the very last step resreved for those who simply ignore everything in the vague hope that it will go away or that they will get away with something! Common sense, sense of proportion maybe required here!?
the wall
says...
10:05am Wed 21 Sep 11
sunflower66 wrote:It's got to you hasn't it ? My be you should take a break from the interweb.
the wall wrote: But it's the Mother and / or family member that have rang the news paper. Instead of going to the library and dealing with problem in private. Don't Wash Your Dirty Laundry in Public.And I suppose none of you have done anything in anger on the spur of the moment and then it's got all blown out of proportion?!? Because everyone that has grumbled here is so perfect obviously. Give the people a break! It's not that important! Maybe the family have learnt never to be taken in by a journlist who's after a story as they've got nothing else to put in the paper!!!
Virtual-Monster says...
10:09am Wed 14 Sep 11
In reality the Mum is at fault for failing to ensure the book was
returned on time.
No story here, just a further sad indictment of poor journalism and people not taking responsibility.