Re: [LM_NET] Late library books

[Sue McGown <smcgown@SJS.ORG>]

I agree with Karen 100%. We have never charged fines. It discourages use
of the library. We talk about and encourage responsible use of library
materials and one part of that is returning the book on time, but we
don't penalize them by charging fines. We do have to charge parents at
the end of the year for any book that has been lost during the school
year, but we wait until May to be sure it doesn't show up before they
are charged.

We are all about encouraging library use and making this a welcoming
place - fines don't fit that profile.

Sue McGown, Librarian
St. John's School
Houston, TX

The DeFranks wrote:

>I'm replying to the whole list because I think this is a good topic for
>discussion.
>
>I am against fines for late books. Here's a list of reasons:
>1. not important - I want the book back, not the money.
>2. too busy - I teach 500 kids a week. When I'm not teaching I'm getting
>ready to teach, writing overdue reminders, etc. I don't have time to track
>down kids for library fines.
>3. public relations - If you want people to use your library you have to be
>a friendly place. No one wants to cough up a few cents for a late book.
>4. budget concerns - I have a decent budget and run two profitable book
>fairs. I don't need the money.
>
>Karen DeFrank, LMS
>Bullock School
>Glassboro NJ
>knarfed@voicenet.com
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Reisdorf, Stacy <reisdorfs@DISTRICT87.ORG>
>To: <LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
>Sent: Friday, November 05, 2004 9:48 AM
>Subject: [LM_NET] Tar: Late library books
>
>
>Hi all --
>
>I have a policy question --  how do you handle late library books and fines
>accrued if that student was sick.  Our policy is that you are still
>responsible for the late books if you are home sick.  It seems to me that
>the public library doesn't excuse you from a fine if you are sick.  Am I
>being too harsh on that policy,  what do you guys that charge late fines do
>in that situation.
>
>Thanks
>Stacy Reisdorf
>SLMS
>Bloomington Junior High School
>Bloomington, IL
>reisdorfs@district87.org
>
>
>
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--
Sue McGown
Lower Library
St. John's School
Houston, TX

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