Book ‘er, Danno

One of the best, early episodes of Seinfeld is the “The Library,” where Jerry is accused of not returning a book he checked out in 1971. Jerry pays a fine to resolve the issue, but not before an intense grilling by Joe Bookman, the New York Public Library’s investigation officer, who was convinced Jerry was up to no good.

Bookman must have been smiling Thursday, then, when an Iowa woman was arrested for not returning a library book. Shelly Koontz was charged with fifth-degree theft, a misdemeanor, and was released on $250 bond, according to The Gazette in eastern Iowa (via AP).

Koontz checked out the “The Freedom Writers Diary” (retail value: $13.95) in April at her local library but had not returned it by September despite multiple phone calls and letters by library officials. The library then contacted police; officers visited her home twice in the fall asking she return the book or pay for it before they arrested her.

Koontz said she was in the process of moving in when police came around. She said she would pay whatever fine she owes and was able to find humor in the situation.

“Maybe I’ll tell the judge I’m a slow reader,” she said.

Free coffee at Monk’s Café to anyone who can name the book Jerry was accused of not returning.

DANNY JACOBS, The Daily Record