I am writing this letter as a taxpayer and concerned patron of St. John Parish.

On Friday, Sept. 28, I stopped at the library on Highway 51 to check out some books and was told that I had a fee for a water damaged book.

I explained to the staff that I placed the book in the bin outside and it was without any damage at the time I placed it in the bin.

The staff member stated I would have to pay the fee before checking out any items. I asked to see the book that had this supposed water damaged but they could not provide the book, saying that it had been destroyed.

I paid the fee because I wanted to check out the items I had selected but informed the staff member that I would like to speak to the director. The staff member wrote down the message and said she would have the director call me. I never received a call.

I had to call back several times three days later. I was told by Ms. Proctor that their policy was to destroy damaged books.

However, I have no proof that the book was damaged, not even a picture of the damage. I think this so called policy is ridiculous.

The staff was not helpful at all in trying to resolve this matter. I am concerned about how many other people have experienced this awful service.

— Jizette Scott, LaPlace