I like to check out audio books from the local library.  I listen to them when I am out walking.  In fact, listening to books is my incentive for walking.  So, I make sure that the books that I check out are worth while.

When I check out books, the library allows me 3 week to complete them.  At the end of 3 weeks, I can renew them for another 3 weeks.  And, given the length of the book and the amount of time I spend walking, it takes me about 6 week to finish a book.

Well the other day, I checked out a murder mystery that was absolutely captivating.  So, when my first 3 weeks were up, I was eager to renew it.  But, when I called the automated renewal line, the machine told me that I could not renew the book.

Rats!  I was only half finished with the book and it was a good story.  So, my first thought was to just keep the book and pay any fines that I might incur.  But, my conscience got the better of me.  After all, my actions would be unfair to the other users of the library.

Maybe I could just return the book in the morning and then check it out again in a few hours.  But then again, maybe I could return it and then check it out again immediately.  Why wait?

When I arrived at the library, I took my plan one step further.  What if I just rescan the book on the automated system?  Would it renew me automatically?  So, I gave it a shot and it worked!  I now have my book for another 3 weeks and didn’t have to worry about being a social misfit for not returning my book on time.