Date: Fri, 2 Aug 2013 13:16:50 +0000
From: Debra Henzey
Subject: Chatham Libraries to Offer “Fine Amnesty Week” in September
Contact: Jennifer Gillis, 919-545-8084
Date: August 2, 2013
Chatham Libraries to Offer “Fine Amnesty Week” in September
PITTSBORO– At their meeting on July 15, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a “fine amnesty” week for all three branches of Chatham County Public Libraries in Pittsboro, Siler City and Goldston. The fine-free week begins Sept. 2 (Labor Day) and runs through Sept. 7, 2013.
During that time, late fees will not be charged for any past due materials returned, but that must be in good condition to qualify.
“It does not matter how many late items they return and it can be any type of item, including movies,” said Library Director Linda Clarke. “It also does not matter how late the materials are. The key factor is that it is in good enough condition to return to the library for circulation.”
An important benefit of amnesty week is to help recover items that the library does not have to repurchase, allowing the funds to be spent on new items.
Clarke said two other benefits are encouraging students to start the new school year with a clean library slate and inviting people to return to the library who have been avoiding it due to fines that have accumulated.
The amnesty week coincides with National Library Card Month in September. “We would like to encourage Chatham County residents whose cards have expired to come in, get new cards, and start using the library again.”
Announcing the fine amnesty week several weeks out gives residents time to look for past due library materials. “If they contact the library at 919-545-8084 we can give them a list of late items,” Clarke said.
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Debra J. Henzey
Director of Community Relations
Chatham County, NC
Office 919-542-8258 Cell 919-548-4662
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