Your Friendly Local Library?

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The Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library in Ontario was happy this summer when a book checked out during the War of 1812 was finally returned--193 years overdue. The library waived the $10,000-plus late fee. But many libraries aren't as forgiving these days, squeezing delinquent borrowers by jacking up fines, hiring collection agents, threatening jail and even sending the sheriff to knock on doors and reclaim overdue books, CDs and DVDs.

Hundreds of libraries across the nation turn over lists of recalcitrant borrowers to companies like Unique Management Services, an Indiana-based collection agency that specializes in libraries. Forget to return that book for more than 120 days, and even your credit rating can take a hit. A Boise, Idaho, family was denied a mortgage two weeks ago after a credit check turned up an unpaid library fine. Some libraries are pressing criminal charges. A paralegal in Massachusetts was arraigned last month on four counts of failing to return library materials, a misdemeanor. Says Peter Anderegg, the librarian who filed the complaint: "We give you books, and you bring them back in two weeks or else. That's the deal." --By Maggie Sieger