When will the increase in overdue charges begin?
The increase in overdue charges will begin February 1, 2011. The change will be in place in the library’s automated system by 8:45 a.m. on February 1. Library automation staff will require some time to make the changes needed in the automated system. Some patrons who return overdue items from 12:01 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. to 24/7 AMH book returns (CC, LK, NW) on February 1 may be charged 10 cents an item and others may be charged 20 cents an item, depending on when the automation changes are completed.
After the automation changes are made, overdue charges that were 10 cents a day will be 20 cents a day. For example, if a book due on January 26 is returned on February 2, the item will be 5 days overdue and the overdue charge will be $1.00.
Why is the library system increasing overdue charges?
The library system’s budget has been reduced, and we anticipate more revenue for the library fund as a result of the increase in overdue charges.
We also hope that patrons will be more careful to return items on time so that those items will be available for other patrons. This will allow for more efficient use of our collection and may help reduce the number of copies of books and DVDs that the library needs to purchase.
When was the last time the library system increased overdue charges?
Overdue charges were increased during Fiscal Year 1995-96. At that time, the overdue charge increased from 5 cents to 10 cents per day.
How much will the new overdue charges be?
The overdue charges will be 20 cents per day for most items, including DVDs and most books. The maximum fine will be $6.00 for these items.
Fines are higher on reference books ($1.00 per hour) and book discussion kits ($2.00 per day).
No charge is added for holidays or days the library is not open.
Why are the overdue charges the same for adults and children?
It can be difficult to apply different overdue charges to patrons of different ages.
The LCLS libraries do schedule “Kids Read Down Fines” programs that give children and teens the opportunity to earn credit to reduce their overdue charges.
How much do other nearby libraries charge?
Both Charlotte County Library and Sarasota County Library charge 25 cents per day for an overdue book and $1.00 per day for an overdue DVD.
Collier County has a more complex fee schedule:
· 25 cents for most overdue adult materials and $1.00 for overdue DVDs
· 10 cents for most children’s books and children’s music CDs