Library Sends Police Officer to Collect Overdue Books From 5-Year-Old Girl

Posted on January 3, 2012

CBS Boston reports that a police officer in Charlton was sent to notify Shannon Benoit, a 5-year-old girl, that her library books were overdue. The officer informed Shannon's mother that Shannon had two books checked out that were several months. Not surprisingly, Shannon burst into tears after the officer's visit. She says she was scared and thought she was going to be arrested. Charlton Police Sergeant Dan Dowd says he didn't want to make the visit, but he was ordered to do so by the Chief of Police.

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

This story may remind some of Stephen King's short story, "The Library Policeman." Thankfully, the police officer in this story was very polite and human.