For the record: I am a fan of public libraries.

A huge fan.

I’ll support their millage campaigns.

I’ll protect them from calls to ban books and the Sally Kerns of the world.

I’ll help fund their summer reading and literacy programs.

I’ll march for them when they are under attack.

Yep, call me a fan.

But right now, this fan is disappointed.

And it all has to do with overdue books.

Last week, officials with the Pioneer Library System announced they would turn over the accounts of “long overdue” customers to a collection agency which specializes in collection of library fines.

Library officials said the move was necessary because they’re holding the bag for more than $1.4 million in fines which have accumulated since 1992.

They also said that, by turning the defunct accounts over to a collection agency, they are being good stewards of public funds.

They said that several thousand customers have “long overdue” accounts.

So, they announced they would turn the accounts over to a firm who will (as most collection agencies do) strong arm people until they pay the debt.

If they don’t, the debt will go on the customer’s credit report and haunt them for years.