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Get Off the Hook! Return Library Items at Bell Tower April 28th
Apr 26, 2007 INFORMATION RELEASE Get off the hook! Return library items April 28 at the Bell Tower 20 Theater 12 - 4 p.m. or at any Lee County Library System location FORT MYERS, Fla., April 26, 2007 – There are only 4 more days to return late library items without paying late fees. Now the Lee County Library System is making it easier with a special item return this Saturday, April 28 at the Regal Bell Tower 20 Theater from 12 p.m. – 4p.m. "If you're planning to see a movie this Saturday, just bring your library items with you. You can catch the latest films and ´Get off the Hook', at the same time," said Lee County Library System (LCLS) Community Relations Coordinator Heather O'Connell. Library staff will be on hand along with the "Late Book? Get off the Hook!" fish mascot; there will also be face painting and balloons from 12p.m. – 2p.m. "You can return late movies, CDs, or any overdue library item. No questions asked. It doesn't matter how many you have or how long they've been out, just return them at Saturday's event, or bring them to your library," O'Connell said. Library patrons have been returning their items in record numbers since the amnesty period started on April 16. 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 over $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. 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. O'Connell says the agency has an excellent record of treating library patrons respectfully and fairly. "They help patrons understand that when materials aren't returned other library users can't use them and the library has to replace those items instead of buying new titles" O'Connell said. "It may seem like it's not hurting anyone to keep a book or DVD for a few months, but in reality, it has an impact on what the library can offer to others in the community," she added. Library users have several options for checking the status of their accounts: Speak with library staff from 9a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday – Saturday at (239) 479-INFO (4636) After library hours, call the automated library line at (239) 338-3518 Visit the library website at www.lee-county.com/library and click "My Account"
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