Forsyth County Public Library fees will increase Monday for the first time in as long as director Jon McDaniel can remember.
Overdue fines will double to 20 cents per item per day from the seemingly eternal 10 cents.
The board approved this and other fines and fee changes at its December meeting.
McDaniel hasn't heard much feedback about the switch, though he wasn't concerned.
"We presume that [patrons] understand the financial situation of the library," he said.
In addition to increasing overdue fines, the board has added some other fees to increase revenue and get its materials back.
Interlibrary loans, which are materials borrowed from other library systems outside of Forsyth, will come with a charge of $2 for return postage.
The charge for out-of-county residents to obtain a library card will rise from $30 to $60.
Those with an account balance of $10 or more will be referred to a debt collection agency, which will urge people to return items before their credit scores are affected.
Previously, only accounts owing at least $25 were referred.
Also, any bounced checks will incur a $25 fee.
Other local library systems have also increased their fees recently, McDaniel said.
The charges are aimed at increasing revenue, though library officials hope they also will develop wise library users.
"I assume people will probably attempt to manage their resources better," McDaniel said.
Overdue fines will double to 20 cents per item per day from the seemingly eternal 10 cents.
The board approved this and other fines and fee changes at its December meeting.
McDaniel hasn't heard much feedback about the switch, though he wasn't concerned.
"We presume that [patrons] understand the financial situation of the library," he said.
In addition to increasing overdue fines, the board has added some other fees to increase revenue and get its materials back.
Interlibrary loans, which are materials borrowed from other library systems outside of Forsyth, will come with a charge of $2 for return postage.
The charge for out-of-county residents to obtain a library card will rise from $30 to $60.
Those with an account balance of $10 or more will be referred to a debt collection agency, which will urge people to return items before their credit scores are affected.
Previously, only accounts owing at least $25 were referred.
Also, any bounced checks will incur a $25 fee.
Other local library systems have also increased their fees recently, McDaniel said.
The charges are aimed at increasing revenue, though library officials hope they also will develop wise library users.
"I assume people will probably attempt to manage their resources better," McDaniel said.