Negotiating a Late Fee Waiver at the Library

在图书馆协商免除逾期罚款

课文音频

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课文

I walked up to the desk holding my overdue book and said, 'Hi—I’m here about a late fee I’d like to discuss.'

我拿着逾期的书走到服务台，说：“您好，我想商量一下滞纳金的事。”
The librarian scanned my card, saw the $4.50 charge, and asked, 'Was there an issue with the renewal system?'

图书管理员刷了我的借书卡，看到4.5美元的费用，问道：“续借系统出问题了吗？”
I explained my laptop crashed the night before the due date, so I couldn’t log in to extend it.

我解释说，还书截止日前一晚我的笔记本电脑崩溃了，无法登录续借。
She didn’t ask for proof but said, 'Let me check your account history—we waive first-time fees for members in good standing.'

她没要求我提供证明，只说：“我查下您的账户记录——对信誉良好的会员，首次滞纳金可免除。”
After confirming I’d returned 12 books on time last year, she removed the fee and added, 'Next time, just call us.'

确认我去年按时归还了12本书后，她取消了费用，并补充道：“下次直接打电话给我们就好。”
She also showed me how to set email alerts three days before items are due.

她还教我如何设置邮件提醒，在图书到期前三天自动通知。
I thanked her by name and asked if they accepted volunteer help with summer reading sign-ups.

我叫着她的名字道谢，并问暑期阅读活动报名是否需要志愿者协助。
Leaving, I felt respected—not scolded—and more likely to return early next time.

离开时，我感到被尊重而非责备，下次也更愿意提前还书。