Read this link, then see below:
http://gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090227/NEWS/702279942/1002/NEWS
I am appalled and disgusted by this story. I am even more appalled and disgusted by such poor journalism. I cannot believe that this story is being reported as "vindication" for a woman who was charged (per Iowa Code) with 5th degree theft for failure to return a library book. Are you freakin kidding me?! Vindication?! This woman was completely and totally irresponsible!
According the article, Gruwell said "the book is about changing lives for the better." Here's a thought, if you're going to change your life for the better, how about starting with being accountable for your actions. This woman is not the victim she is being portrayed to be. This is a person who needs to be held liable for their misdeeds.
The Jesup Public Library was well within their legal rights to pursue a theft charge. Not once has Ms. Koontz apologized for not returning the book. Not once has she taken responsiblity for her lack of action to the notices sent by the library. Not once.
Instead, she says she's a "hard-working, proud woman" who works "the third-shift." Your point Ms. Koontz? You are no different than hundreds of thousands of other women around this country who do the same thing everyday. But this also does not give you an exemption from your responsiblities as a library card holder. You signed for the card, you take responsiblity for the materials checked out on that card. You don't return the material, you suffer the consequences. It's pretty cut and dry.
Yes, the gloves are off for this fight, I'm done being nice and politically correct. I am furious that we as public libraries are taking the bad rap for one woman's irresponsible behavior. Furthermore, I am angry at the journalists who have inaccurately portrayed this story and who continue to view this woman as a martyr. There is no martyr here. But yes, there are victims who need to be vindicated. And those victims are the employees of the Jesup Public Library who were simply doing their jobs.
