Money shouldn't talk at the library.

• Author: Cohen, Randy
• Position: THE ETHICIST: Life's full of questions: he's got answers

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My library book is due today, but I'm only about halfway through it. I can't renew the book, because the library put it on hold for someone. I'm willing to pay the penalty, 25 cents a day, so I can keep reading. May I do that--or must I return the book, knowing that someone else is waiting for it? RACHEL BUCCI, SALEM, OREGON

YOU MUST return the book on time. That 25-cent charge is not a rental, fee but an incentive to return the book promptly.

As you point out, someone else is waiting for the book, which is why the library won't let you renew it.

The fact that the fee isn't high enough to provide a proper incentive--say $25 a day, or $250 a day--doesn't give you the freedom to hang on to a popular book past its due date.

Similarly, the willingness and ability to pay a speeding ticket does not make it OK to...