Library raises fees beginning Nov. 1

If your tab for overdue materials looks higher than usual the next time you visit the library, here’s why: Next Monday, new fines will take effect, and the daily fine for an overdue book, CD, or DVD will change from 15 cents a day to 25 cents a day. The maximum per item late fee will be $8.

The Seattle Public Library is implementing these higher fines because of citywide budget cuts. Here are more details:

The daily fine for an overdue interlibrary loan (an item borrowed from outside The Seattle Public Library) will change from 25 cents a day to $1 a day. Maximum per item late fee: $15.

The daily fine for an overdue reference resource will change from 15 cents a day to $1 a day. Maximum per item late fee: $15.

The per page charge to print from Library computers will change from 10 cents to 15 cents per page.

In addition, all accounts with a balance of $25 will be sent to a collection agency, including accounts for children and teens. A $12 charge is added to the account at that time. Parents of children age 12 and under will be notified when accounts become delinquent. Adults and teens ages 13-17 will be notified directly.

Patrons signed up to receive e-mail notices from the Library currently receive reminders several days before books and other items are due. Patrons are also contacted by phone or e-mail when items are past due and need to be returned.

Library cardholders can access information about their Library accounts anytime from the Library website, www.spl.org, or by calling call Borrower Services with their Library card number at 206-386-4190 during operating hours.

The Library is implementing a total of $3 million in cuts this year due to the continued down economy. The Library has already cut operating hours, reduced the book budget by nearly $500,000, eliminated positions and shut down for a week Aug. 30-Sept. 6 to achieve the necessary budget savings. The new fines and fees schedule will encourage timely return of books and materials and help offset budget reductions.