Board says 'no' to library fines
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Bella Vista Library users won’t have to pay fines for overdue books, but they will still have to pay to check out audio books.
The library board of trustees voted unanimously earlier this month to continue the policy of not charging overdue-book fines.
At their October meeting, board members had reasoned that fines would encourage people to return borrowed books in a timely manner; however, they learned Nov. 11 that getting the books returned isn’t a big problem.
Board Vice Chairwoman Susan Santos presented a spreadsheet that shows 86 percent of books checked out during a sample month were returned within 30 days.
For those who want to support the library by paying for their overdue books, a “ conscience jar ” is available at the checkout counter, Director Marianne Farner said.
People can drop any amount of money into the jar to make up for returning books past the due date.
The board also decided to continue charging for audio-book rentals.
Members turned down an offer by the Friends of the Library to reimburse the facility for lost income if the board opted to loan those items free of charge.
The fee for books on CDs and cassette tapes is $ 2 each, or $ 1. 50 for people with library entertainment cards. Anyone who is visually impaired may check out the audio books for free, Farner said.
Board members unanimously voted not to accept the Friends ’ offer at this time because the library may rely on the fees in the future.
Chairman Jim Nemecek doesn’t like the idea of dropping any fees right now. He said that in 2010, the library might have a difficult time raising all the money it needs and may have to depend on fees to help support it.
Nemecek said the library should be all right financially in 2009, if the city and the Bella Vista Property Owners Association come through with contributions.
The trustees have asked both entities for help similar to what the library received in 2008, with the city providing $ 63, 000 and the POA $ 75, 000.
During recent budget talks, however, the POA administration has proposed giving the library only $ 25, 000 next year. POA Board members will vote on the budget at their December meeting.
The next meeting of the board will be at 1 p. m. Dec. 9 at Bella Vista Community Church.
The public is welcome.
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