May 7, 2007

Library's 'Get off The Hook' Program Nets $430,000 in Returns

 FORT MYERS, Fla., May 7, 2007 – More than $430,000 worth of lost and overdue books, DVDs, and CDs are back on the shelves at Lee County Library System.

 The Lee County Library System (LCLS) held its first amnesty period in more than 8 years from April 16 – April 30. Library users responded by bringing back more than 1,800 lost items valued at $34,637.07 and 21,000 overdue books, DVDs and CDs valued at $395,768.50.

The total value of returned items is $430,405.53. The amnesty cost $19,698.65 in waived late fees.

"We're very happy to have so many items back and available for library users," said LCLS Community Relations Coordinator, Heather O'Connell. She added that the returns also give the library more active users.

Before the Amnesty, 10,504 library users had more than $25 in overdue items and late fees. As a result, they were no longer allowed to borrow items from the library. As of May 1, nearly 5,900 of them had brought their accounts back to good standing.

"We had a 56% response rate among those library patrons; now they can go back to enjoying all the library has to offer," O'Connell said.

In surveys, many respondents who indicated they were returning overdue items said they would now use the library's online and 24-hour automated phone account information to track their due dates. Others said they were signing up for e-mail alerts or would use downloadable books, which never have a late fee.

The Amnesty brought the total value of overdue items down from $584,177.17 to $188,408.67. Over a million dollars in lost items and fees are still due.

 "Now we're working on recovering those items," O'Connell said.

To do that, the library has started working with Unique Management Systems, an agency that specializes in recovering library materials and fees.

"We are now referring any past due accounts of $25 or more to the agency," O'Connell said.

Accounts that aren't paid within 30 days of the original due date are past due. Meaning those who didn't take advantage of the amnesty program will soon receive a bill from the library for late fees or the cost of replacing lost items. 

O'Connell says those who return items and fees immediately can avoid a $10 service charge.

"If you can't pay the full costs, just contact your library to make payment arrangements," she said, adding that, "the library offers so many free items, helpful services and great activities; we want to work with you so you can enjoy them."

More information on the materials recovery program and frequently asked questions are posted on the Lee County Library System website at www.lee-county.com, where patrons can also check the status of their accounts. Library users can also get account information by calling 479-INFO (4636) during library hours or by calling the automated line anytime at 338-3518.

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