For you scofflaws who always hoard your library books way past their due return date, one Iowa library has turned into your biggest nightmare.

Shelly Koontz, 39, of Independence was arrested last week and charged with fifth-degree theft — which, by the way, I didn't even know was a charge. Her offense? She had held on to the library's copy of The Freedom Writers Diary since April.

"Police say the book — which is about a high school teacher's effort to inspire students to write — is valued at $13.95," the Associated Press article said. But Koontz paid a $250 bond before they'd let her go home. I sure hope it was worth it!

Yes, nine months is a long time. But JAIL? For having kept only one book? There have to have been bigger offenders than Koontz! Unless Iowans are much more honest than I could have ever imagined.

I think this is the sign you've been waiting for to return your overdue books, people. Don't say I didn't warn you.

(Photo by lckidwell at stock.xchng)