Okay you library book hoarders, come in from the cold

[kennyc]

Chicago Library Offers Rare Amnesty on $1.4 Million in Late Fees
By Keenan Mayo on August 07, 2012

Yesterday the Chicago Public Library announced it would offer a three-week fine amnesty program for its users called “Once in a Blue Moon,” a reference to the rare nature of the project, and to the astrological event that coincides with it. From Aug. 20 through Sept. 7, the library—which is owed $1.4 million in outstanding fines on $2 million worth of materials—will accept all overdue items and waive the fees. Bloomberg Businessweek reached out to Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon to learn more.

How did the idea come about?

Fine amnesty programs have been around, and several cities have used them. When we talk about fines, we talk about the late fees that accumulate on items—not fines for their replacements. There are people who stop using the library as a result of fines. Maybe they weren’t able to pay the fine. Even though our average fine is around $14, for some that ends up becoming a real barrier to being able to come back and use the library. We haven’t done one in Chicago in about 20 years. If you do them on a semi-regular basis, it’s a way of reengaging people who have drifted away. It also makes sense because really there’s a point that we’re never going to get the money back from them.
....

http://www.businessweek.com/articles...n-in-late-fees

[tubemonkey]

That's a lot of money. Just think how many ebooks they could get with it.

Another benefit ebooks have over paper books. Time and money saved from not having to manage lost/overdue books.

[Giggleton]

I've always thought late fees on library books were absurd. This just proves that point.

Sometimes I will check out a book and not actually get around to reading it for a week or so, but by the time I'm halfway through it the late fees will start to accrue. Perhaps it is time to do away with these archaic late fees and simply allow people to pay for infinite access. Some access will have to be subsidized, but that's just par for the course.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Giggleton

I've always thought late fees on library books were absurd. This just proves that point.

Sometimes I will check out a book and not actually get around to reading it for a week or so, but by the time I'm halfway through it the late fees will start to accrue. Perhaps it is time to do away with these archaic late fees and simply allow people to pay for infinite access. Some access will have to be subsidized, but that's just par for the course.

Late fees are a tool to get you to return the book on time so someone else can read it. Libraries don't have infinite budgets so they can buy infinite copies for infinite patrons. As long as paper books are loaned out, late fees must stay in place.

[HomeInMyShoes]

I pay my late fees which are usually a pittance (unless you have overdue DVDs). I like supporting my library and gladly pay late fees when I forget to return or renew something. And yes, I pay taxes every year towards the libary as well. It's money well spent.

@giggleton: there is such a thing as renewing a book.

[elemenoP]

Aren't late fees a form of revenue for the library?

eP

[RainingLemur]

Makes me wonder if we'll see the follow-up story that talks about how many books/DVD's/*other checked out stuff* were actually returned during this amnesty period. I'd be interested to see that.

[nogle]

Originally Posted by Giggleton

Perhaps it is time to do away with these archaic late fees and simply allow people to pay for infinite access. Some access will have to be subsidized, but that's just par for the course.

There is a way to allow you infinite access to a book... BUY IT!

[speakingtohe]

The Yukon library system has an amnesty week twice a year if you donate to the food bank. A 25 cent package of noodles will erase your debt.

While I don't actually like paying late fees, They are necessary to keep books circulating.

Most libraries I have used have a reasonable cap on late fees and don't start asking for replacement fees for 3 months. Then they still give you up to a year to return the book and get the replacement fee back. More than reasonable IMO. If only banks and loan companies would do the same

When one borrows a book from the library or a friend, the honorable thing to do is return it within the agreed upon time frame, convenientor not. If you lose or damage it pay for it, or if this is not possible, let them know so they can replace it and/or keep their records straight.

As Nogle pointed out, if you need the book longer than the lender is willing to lend it then buy it. Someone has to pay for a book and why not the borrower if they don't return it? Keeping something you borrow indefinitely is pretty mean.

Helen

[gdimike]

Ever since the library set up email reminders and online renewals my overdue fines have gone to zero. I cover my wife's card, too.

The write Gustav Hasford really needed a library amnesty offer:

http://www.gustavhasford.com/books.htm

[Tome Keeper]

When I worked it a library it just became annoying as people would put the book back on the shelves and then claim they'd returned it ages ago, and we were always then told to waive the fine. Week in, week out this happened.

[khalleron]

Originally Posted by Tome Keeper

When I worked it a library it just became annoying as people would put the book back on the shelves and then claim they'd returned it ages ago, and we were always then told to waive the fine. Week in, week out this happened.

Well, as someone who actually HAS been fined for an item I returned and then found on the shelf, I say you have to have a reasonable doubt.

Oddly enough, my current library does not charge overdue fines. If you keep the item out for more than six weeks past the due date, you're charged for the item and a processing fee.

It's probably been 30 years since I had an overdue item, so I haven't had to pay a fine anyway.

[Tome Keeper]

Originally Posted by khalleron

Well, as someone who actually HAS been fined for an item I returned and then found on the shelf, I say you have to have a reasonable doubt.

Oddly enough, my current library does not charge overdue fines. If you keep the item out for more than six weeks past the due date, you're charged for the item and a processing fee.

It's probably been 30 years since I had an overdue item, so I haven't had to pay a fine anyway.

Oh I accept it happened occasionally but it was when we had the same people coming in time and time again, and their books never seemed to get returned properly . A the DVDs out of safers were always a bit suspect.

[dandelioncottage]

It depends; I asked about that at my library and was told the late fee money goes back to the city, not the library.

Originally Posted by elemenoP

Aren't late fees a form of revenue for the library?

eP

[tdonline]

Originally Posted by Tome Keeper

When I worked it a library it just became annoying as people would put the book back on the shelves and then claim they'd returned it ages ago, and we were always then told to waive the fine. Week in, week out this happened.

This actually happened to me once. I was questioned by the librarian, it hadn't occurred to me that this was a common practice. Of course it made sense to me in a few seconds. But cross my heart, hope to die, I returned that book on time!