Library books returned 15 years later
Published: May 2, 2007
Library items that had been checked out for 15 years were among the items returned as part of the Lee County Library’s “Late Book? Get off the Hook!” program.
The program, which waives overdue fees, began April 16. There are four more days to return late library items without paying late fees.
Library patrons have been returning their items in record numbers. 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 more than $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 of more than $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 United States, Canada and the United Kingdom and specializes in the recovery of overdue materials.
If you enjoyed this good news Subscribe to Good News Blog
Share this
To share this simply copy and paste one of the below URL's: