INFORMATION
RELEASE
For Release A
Media Contact: Heather O'Connell
(239) 461-2924 or hoconnell@leegov.com
Get off
the hook! Return library items this Saturday at the Bell Tower 20 Theater 12 -
4 p.m. or at any
“If you’re planning to see a movie this Saturday, just bring your library items
with you. You can catch the latest films and ‘Get off the Hook’, at the same
time,” said Lee County Library System (LCLS) Community Relations Coordinator
Heather O’Connell.
Library staff will be on hand along with the “Late Book? Get off
the Hook!” fish mascot; there will also be face painting and balloons from
12p.m. – 2p.m.
”You can return late movies, CDs, or any overdue library item. No
questions asked. It doesn’t matter how many you have or how long they’ve been
out, just return them at Saturday’s event, or bring them to your library,”
O’Connell said.
Library patrons have been returning their items in record numbers since the
amnesty period started on April 16. Some locations had overflowing book drops;
others reported about twice the normal amount of library items being returned.
Among those bringing back items:
§
An individual library user returned nearly $700 in outstanding
items.
§
Another reported having library items out for 15 years.
§
A local family returned over $1,000 in materials.
”The
family indicated they didn’t return the items sooner because they were waiting
for an amnesty period,” O’Connell said.
But library users shouldn’t count on any future amnesty.
“This one-time opportunity is a last chance to bring back items and pay down
charges before overdue library accounts are referred to a materials recovery
agency starting May 1,” O’Connell said.
All accounts over $25 will be referred to the agency when the items are 30 days
past their original due date. Library users with overdue materials will receive
a letter asking them to return items within 10 days. If the items aren’t
returned during that grace period, the library card holder will be responsible
for a $10 service fee in addition to regular late charges or replacement fees.
The library system will be working with Unique Management Systems, an agency
with extensive experience with libraries in the
O’Connell says the agency has an excellent record of treating library patrons
respectfully and fairly.
“They help patrons understand that when materials aren’t returned
other library users can’t use them and the library has to replace those items
instead of buying new titles” O’Connell said.
“It may seem like it’s not hurting anyone to keep a book or DVD for a few
months, but in reality, it has an impact on what the library can offer to
others in the community,” she added.
Library users have several options for checking the status of their accounts:
§
Speak with library staff from 9a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday,
and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday – Saturday at (239) 479-INFO (4636)
§
After library hours, call the automated library line at (239)
338-3518
§ Visit the library website at www.lee-county.com/library and click “My Account”
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