Though I sometimes drive over the posted speed (less often than I used to) and have been known to jaywalk, I’m not what you would call a scofflaw. There’s something else afoot in my attitude toward library books.

Here I am, a few days behind returning one and I feel like I’ve just stolen the crown jewels. It must be because books are important to me, and having been on one end of the “holds” queue I don’t want to keep people on the other end waiting longer than necessary.

Still, this morning I did something faintly rebellious. I kept my overdue copy of Hempl’s The Art of the Wasted Day one more (not wasted) day just so I could finish taking notes on it. I can’t renew it because the book has one of those aforementioned holds. But I can’t return it either — because it still has a hold on me.

The book is rich in observations, too many to record in one sitting. So I’m boldly ignoring the date stamp (2/28/19) and bearing the additional fee (+10¢) and returning the book tomorrow — instead of today. Hold off on the paddy wagon just a few more days, please!