Obviously, high schools want to encourage literacy, and in an age where fewer and fewer people are reading books, the libraries’ shelves can seem to collect dust. 

But this is not the case. 

In fact, according to librarian Ms. Smith, students at PA are consistently taking out books from the school library but they’re not always returned. 

Approximately 40 books were lost at PA last year, and students who lost books were responsible for paying for them. 

“A lot of books were lost last year,” said Ms. Smith. “We lost a lot of inventory.” 

Along with losing book, some books are returned vandalized. If it’s a small stain or a page is bent, it’s “not a big deal,” said Mrs. Smith; however, if the damage is overwhelming, she will send a slip for the students to pay.

“It’s a rare occurrence when a book gets that bad,” Mrs. Smith said. “Some damage is expected. At least they’re reading it and enjoying it. That’s all that matters.” 

Students who don’t return the books are placed on a financial obligations list at the end of the course. If the financial obligation is not rectified, penalties can include revoking parking privileges and early release/late arrival privileges and attending co-curricular events after hours. For seniors, a financial obligation can prevent the student from attending the class trip or participating in the graduation ceremony.