Mass. library sends cops to collect overdue books from 5-Year-Old

By: Casey Glynn
Topics: Daily Blotter

Shannon Benoit reads a book to daughter Hailey.

/ WBZ

(CBS/WBZ) CHARLTON, Mass. - A Massachusetts woman says her 5-year-old daughter was left in tears after the Charlton Public Library sent police to collect the girls overdue library books.

Charlton Police Sergeant Dan Dowd stopped by the home of Shannon Benoit to let her know that her daughter had two books several months overdue which needed to be returned or paid, reports CBS Boston.

"I thought it was way overboard," Benoit reportedly said. "I closed my door, I looked at my daughter and she started crying."

Hailey asked her mom if the police were going to arrest her, reports CBS Boston.

"I was scared," Hailey said.

They found and returned the books, but Hailey's mom compared sending a cop to their house to pounding a ten penny nail with a sledge hammer, reports CBS Boston.

Even Sgt. Dowd reportedly admitted he wasn't thrilled about his task.

"Nobody wanted to, on this end to get involved in it," says Sgt. Dowd. "But the library contacted us, and the chief delegated, and apparently I was one of the low men on the totem pole."

According to CBS Boston, police thought a friendly reminder might make a better impression and get better results than a cold summons to court.

The Benoit's reportedly claim they did not recieve any warnings previous to Dowd's arrival.

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by DEE2BY05 January 7, 2012 12:10 PM EST: I WONDER HOW MANY PPL GOT MURDERED,ROBBED, AND/OR MOLESTED WHILE THE POLICE WAS TRYING TO GET HER TO RETURN THE BOOKS. I HATE TO SAY IT BUT I FOUND SOME BOOKS I HAD GOT FROM THE LIBRARY IN 2008. I GUESS THAT MEAN I WILL SPEND 5 TO 10 YEARS IN THE BIG GIRL CAMP. PLEASE SPEND MY GAS MONEY BETTER PD.; Reply to this comment


by carl87gt January 6, 2012 12:27 PM EST: Wow, a few of these replies are really stupid. Are you really that stupid people? Do you think this cop asked to talk to the 5 year old girl and scared the girl? I think the cop talked to the parent (unless the stupid parent allows a 5 year-old to answer their door) and told the parent they have overdue books (and to stop ignoring your overdue notices that the library sent). Then the stupid mom told the little girl that the cop was their because she didn't return her magical unicorn (or whatever) books. Why did this stupid parent even get the daughter involved. "Run along and play while mommy talks to this nice policeman" would have worked in my house. Yes, you blame the mom for not returning the books. Sending a cop is nicer than a summons to appear in court for stolen property (last time I checked if you borrow something and don't return it, that is stealing). Shut up and keep your daughter out of this.; Reply to this comment


by MrsLerman January 5, 2012 2:57 PM EST: Wow, they NEVER got any of the over due notices from the library? I doubt it. I mean they had the right address to give to the police right? Shame on the parents for using the tears of a 5 year old to try and get sympathy from the public. They should be embarassed that the police had to get involved because they refused to return something they borrowed that was valued over $100. It's called stealing!; Reply to this comment


by lilaf57 January 4, 2012 7:52 PM EST: The mom was wrong. What a great role model showing a little girl it is ok to keep a book that was not theirs. Return what you borrow. To the female anchor today, who said let her keep the book.. What? You just told the US it's ok to steal.
So if the little girl stole a expensive watch would that be ok since she is a little girl. Spank the parents.; Reply to this comment


by howbizarre January 4, 2012 1:45 PM EST: I have no sympathy for the mom. The cops were sent to the house because there were stolen books reported. If something was stolen from your house and you reported it, would you want the police NOT to get the item back for you if they found it in a home with a child? The 5-year old wasn't in charge of getting the books back, the parents were. If they wouldn't do it, they were effectively stealing from the library. Think of it this way - you go into a store - your 5-year old child picks up a toy/book/something - you see your child do this - you don't pay for the item - and leave the store. Is this OK because your child is 5 years old? Or is it stealing? Is it over the top for the retailer to ask a police officer or security person to stop your child? Or is that over the top?; Reply to this comment


by barbaram99 January 4, 2012 1:24 PM EST: I have not borrowed a library book in years.I have not figured out how borrow e-books from the librar on the computer.
Sending the cops to the home of a 5 year old for over due books..could not the parent keep track of when the book/s are to be returned/renewed in the case of things phy borrowed..I know people forget..I write it down on the computer so there is one place for notes.; Reply to this comment

by oldabner January 4, 2012 12:30 PM EST

Tough sh*t, kid - do what you're supposed to do and the cops don't come.

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by mrsherman January 4, 2012 12:43 PM EST: At five years old, it is still the parents responsibility to know WHEN to bring the books back. This is plain overacting by the library in any manner.
I doubt you're a parent, otherwise you would know what the average level of understanding is for children of that age.


by catwoman1952 January 4, 2012 12:28 PM EST: Idiots don't have anything better to do and the librarian should be held to ridicule; Reply to this comment


by caljack430 January 4, 2012 11:50 AM EST: great. lets just scare the crud out of little kids sending the police to their house for an over-due library book... here's a good reason why the younger generations are increasingly wary of cops...
unnecessary. completely and totally unnecessary.; Reply to this comment

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