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Discuss Library Overdue Fine Policy.
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Staff: |
Department: |
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Susan Brown, Library Director |
Library |
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Meeghan Rosen, Assistant Director |
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Overview: In October 2019, the Library Advisory Board petitioned Council to adopt a “fine-free model for the Chapel Hill Public Library as part of the 2020/2021 budget,” stating that “library fines represent a social equity issue.” This item provides information about impacts of the current fine policy and potential impacts of a fine-free model.
The Town charges $0.25/day in overdue fines for items not returned on time. People owing $25 or more in outstanding charges are blocked from using their library card.
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Recommendation(s): |
That the Council consider the Library Advisory Board’s Petition and provide direction to staff regarding the Chapel Hill Public Library’s Overdue Fine Policy.
Key Issues:
• Overdue fines are a source of revenue
• Overdue fines are a barrier to library access
• Overdue fines are not an incentive to return borrowed items
Fiscal Impact/Resources: The FY2020 budget for overdue fines is $32,000.
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Attachments: |
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• Draft Staff Presentation |
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• Chapel Hill Public Library Advisory Board Request |
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• LCI Fine Free Policies Report 2019 |
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• ALA Resolution on Monetary Library Fines as a Form of Social Inequity |
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The Agenda will reflect the text below and/or the motion text will be used during the meeting. |
presenter
PRESENTER: Susan Brown, Library Director
RECOMMENDATION: That the Council consider the Library Advisory Board’s Petition and provide direction to staff regarding the Chapel Hill Public Library’s Overdue Fine Policy.