A college student faced with hefty library late fees has admitted “gas lighting” librarians to dodge financial penalties and secure his academic future.
In a confession shared on Reddit this week, the original poster (OP), Admirable_Alarm_7127, recalled how, back in the 2000s, he quietly returned overdue books to their original spots on library shelves, then later questioned staff members about the validity of the fine notice he had received.
‘They believed me’
When the books were found in place, the fees were erased and the hold on his diploma lifted.
“I contacted the library and told them I had returned the books properly, when in reality I snuck them back in late,” he wrote, adding, “They believed me.”
The OP’s unconventional tactic worked, although the post drew a mix of reactions from others online.
Some Reddit users were empathetic and shared similar experiences.
“Honestly, you just beat the system with their own rules,” one user approved.
Another added, “I worked at my uni library too and honestly nobody cared that much about late fees unless it was like, hundreds of dollars. Most of us were just tryna survive finals week like everyone else.”
Others, however, pointed out that not all libraries are as forgiving, or informal.
“My university in the U.S. required you to pay every penny to get your diploma or transcripts,” noted a user, contrasting the OP’s workaround with stricter policies elsewhere.
‘Made my heart stop’
The situation highlights the broader issue of library fines and their impact on students. In a strikingly similar case, a New York graduate student was stunned to receive a nearly $12,000 fine for overdue library books.
“It made my heart stop,” Hannah Jones told Newsweek.
Jones, who needed the books for her dissertation, said she forgot to renew them due to a busy academic schedule. After explaining her situation to the university library, the fine was dramatically reduced to $20.
Textbook costs and library fees remain pressing challenges for students. According to the College Success Foundation, strategies such as renting books, sharing with classmates, or using library resources can ease the financial burden.
“Before making a purchase, check your campus library,” the foundation advises, noting that some libraries offer copies of textbooks on reserve, or through digital platforms.
Though the Reddit user’s approach sparked debate, his story goes to show the lengths students sometimes go to avoid financial roadblocks that could jeopardize their academic goals.
As another user succinctly put it: “The library would rather have the books returned than your fine.”
In reply to an invitation to comment from Newsweek via Reddit, the OP said after he shared his story on the forum, ” I actually went to the library in person to dispute the late library books letter.
“This of course was after I had sneakily returned the books, [laugh out loud]. I went in with an appropriate amount of (fake) frustration/confusion—letter in hand.”
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