Looks like another library is getting tough with customers. In a localized area of Australia, nearly $30,000 worth of books, DVDs, CDs and magazines are outstanding things at libraries.
Surprisingly, one borrower owed almost $2500. After you are done scratching your head and asking yourself why the patron didn’t just buy new books from a bookstore, allow me to bring to your attention that more than 930 items worth $11,467 still need to be given back to the Aussi Town Campbelltown’s libraries at Campelltown and Athelstone.
It doesn’t end there; the Norwood, Payneham and St Peters libraries have 659 outstanding loans worth about $17,951. Interesting fun facts include the fact that one patron owes $2438 in overdue fees and replacement costs, and the most overdue item at the Campbelltown library dates all the way back to April 21, 2006.
Library services manager Suzanne Kennedy pleaded with the public to return the books.
“When borrowers don’t return media items, or hold on to them for far longer than the normal lending period, they are stopping other fellow borrowers from enjoying those resources.” Ouch. Some pretty strong words there. Kennedy continues: “Ultimately, for each item not returned or replacement costs received, the council has to replace, which means that it cannot purchase additional items in its collection.”
Adding to the seriousness of the situation is the fact that the number of residents using the libraries was growing, making it even more important for the books to be returned on time. Local libraries charge two dollars for each late notice plus misplaced. When a patron’s debt gets to about $100, they are passed on to a collection agency.
According to Campbelltown’s acting library services manager Tamara Williams, patrons paid up when the agency became involved. For now, it is the best these libraries can do to get their fine money…that is until they can hire some more threatening looking nerds to work the desks.