INFORMATION
RELEASE
For Release A
Media Contact: Heather O'Connell
(239) 461-2924 or hoconnell@leegov.com
Late Book?
You’re Off the Hook at
“This is a one-time opportunity to bring in any overdue items without paying
late fees, no questions asked. It doesn’t matter how many you have or how
long they’ve been out, just return them during Amnesty Days and you’re off the
hook for those items,” said Lee County Library System (LCLS) Community
Relations Coordinator Heather O’Connell.
More than 14,000 people in
“When materials aren’t returned, other patrons can’t use them. The library may
have to pay to replace those items instead of purchasing new titles,” O’Connell
said.
The numbers add up: an audit in 2005 showed missing library items and late fees
topped the 2 million dollar mark. That’s why the library is offering its users
a final opportunity to close the book on fines before new policies take effect on
May 1.
“We’ll be enlisting the help of an agency that works extensively with libraries
in the
In fairness to library users who return items or pay fines in a timely manner,
the cost of the service will be passed on as a fee to each patron whose account
is turned over to the agency.
“We understand that everyone misplaces things sometimes. The important thing is
that materials are returned and our patrons can go back to enjoying all the
library has to offer,” O’Connell said.
Need a ride to the library to bring back your books? Just show any library item
when you board a Lee Tran bus A
So look under the couch, go through the toy boxes and book cases and see if
there are any library books, movies, CDs or software and bring them back A
Library users can also check the status of their accounts 24/7 by calling
338-3518, or visiting the library website at www.lee-county.com/library
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