Couple who Lost Dr. Seuss Library Book Faces 93 Days in Jail

A judge told a Michigan couple they could land in jail for up to 93 days and face a maximum $500 fine for failing to return a novel and a Dr. Seuss book borrowed from the local public library.

A Dr. Seuss book is seen as children play during a press preview of an interactive exhibition dedicated to Dr. Seuss at the Children's Museum of Manhattan July 6, 2004 in New York City. Mario Tama/Getty Images

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In January, the couple was able to find and return “The Rome Prophecy,” but they couldn’t locate the Dr. Seuss book. The title of the book wasn’t known.

Cathy Duren sent a $55 money order to the prosecutor’s office to cover the late fees and replacement costs for the lost book. But Cathy Duren said her money order was refused because she and her husband declined to pay the additional $210 in diversion fees to the Lenawee County prosecutor’s crime unit.

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Cathy Duren said she feels that she’s being extorted by the prosecutor’s office.

The Durens had to pay $100 bond to avoid going to jail last Friday when they were served with arrest warrants.

The couple said they probably will never check out a library book again.