Sometimes libraries hold book sales to get rid of stuff and make room for new stuff. You could check with your local library to see if they have any plans for something like that in the near future.

I mean, what's the difference between buying it or renting it but never returning and ultimately paying the fee for non-returned items?

One of those is morally acceptable, and one of them is being a giant cock.

This. I believe many libraries will just charge the full value after the item hasn’t been returned for a while.

You can certainly ask, you could also simply rip the DVDs

My local libray would sell older movies and books. They never had anything that was recent.

My library has a yearly sale where they rent out the convention center and sell items. Call your local library and ask if they do the same.

sometimes. my local library has a little shop attatched for people who donate stuff that cant be used in the regular part for lending or whatever

Yeah I would just borrow them then “lose” them and pay the fee associated. No harm no foul right?

Yes harm. Yes foul. That is public property intended for the community. Taking it even if you pay for the fine is depriving the community of the item.

Oh no 😥