TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Library Isn't Offering Amnesty On Late Fees

ADVERTISEMENT

By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: August 7, 2008

SEBRING - Librarian Mary Myers wants those overdue library books back.

And county commissioners agreed with the library system director, although there will not be an "amnesty program" anytime soon.

Following a unanimous vote by commissioners, and by the beginning of next week, a collection agency will attempt to track down patrons who fail to return books and other taxpayer owned library property in a timely manner.

If those materials are still unreturned, and unpaid for, a patron's credit rating could suffer.

"It might stimulate people to check under the bed, in the back seat of the car or in the children's toy box," said Myers. "We know people are busy and don't want to bother looking for them, but this is the time to get them back.

"We want to be fair to every taxpayer and be good custodians for the materials that tax dollars purchased."

Myers said establishment of an "amnesty program" for hundreds of patrons who collectively owe $217,000 in unpaid fines for the county and fees was only briefly considered.

The library system director did not rule out use of an amnesty program at some future date for patrons to return books without paying overdue fines, but noted a problem with such programs.

If patrons know that the libraries regularly announce amnesty programs, then they sometimes stockpile and wait to bring back overdue materials, which defeats the purpose of the program, said Myers.

Unique Management Services will do almost all of the work for the collection project.

On a weekly basis, the company that exclusively seeks collections from 400 library systems nationwide will receive an electronic file of fresh accounts.

For those who have not returned at least $25 worth of materials for 50 days, but not more than 60 days, the firm will attempt to contact the overdue borrower. Over time, the agency will establish contact with long-term delinquent borrowers.

The agency has the ability to report overdue borrowers to the three standard credit bureaus, as a last resort, after making several phone calls and sending several letters.

"It will be an ongoing process," said Myers. "A fluid and dynamic process - every week we will generate that report."

The cooperative of libraries will be on the hook for $8.95 collection agency fee, but only if patrons fail to pay that charge. There will be a $5 fee for each overdue item and a $2 fee for unreturned books or materials, plus the cost of each item.

Myers urged overdue borrowers to return materials before the $8.95 charge is soon instituted.

The librarian complained that most overdue items are frequently of high interest or are in high demand. She said that up to 80 readers often join waiting lists to reserve a particular bestseller.

The Heartland Library Cooperative provides services to libraries in Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, DeSoto and Hardee counties.

Reporter Jim Konkoly contributed to this story. Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT