Mom facing jail time over late library book

Hi y’all! My name is Kaylee.

In March 2023 I rented a few books for my homeschooled kids from the Navasota Public Library in Grimes County Texas. I was in the beginning of my pregnancy and having a rough time with hyperemesis and placenta previa. During all of that, I failed to return the books by the due date. My husband was working in Houston and returned all but one book. The one he tried to return didn’t fit in the drop box. They issued me a warrant that I never received. Someone signed for it but the judge wouldn’t tell me who. I did not know of the warrant and $570 ticket until I tried to renew my drivers license. I tried to explain this situation to Judge Gruner but she said she didn’t want to hear my excuses and I needed to take responsibility. I offered to pay for the missing books even though I KNOW it got returned. She said we were way beyond that and I needed to make it right. She told me that by returning the books late, I had done the equivalent of walking out of Walmart without paying for merchandise. They now refuse to reinstate my license until I pay the ticket and there is an active warrant out for my arrest in Grimes County.

We are a single income family. We barely make ends meet with five children- including a 3 month old. This has put a strain on my breastfeeding journey as I now have to pump in case I literally go to jail- over library books. On top of the inability to transport my children now.

I would love to fight this but I don’t have the funds. If you feel lead to help me fight this, or pay the $570 ticket- please donate or share. This has been insanely stressful for my family and the punishment does not fit the crime. This is a Class C misdemeanor that will show up on my record as “theft of government property”.

I’m just a mom with 5 kids trying to homeschool and spread kindness. This is unjust. Please spread the word.

Whatever additional funds we receive will be donated to the Smithville Public Library and the Navasota Public Library to pay off other debts that might be owed.