The library wants overdue materials returned
and fines paid so you can once again use
the library. If you have fines and/or have
lost library materials and have not paid
for them, it would be to your advantage to bring back the books and
other items and pay the fines.
In an effort to get items returned and to collect
some of the more than $30,000 owed the library
for lost materials and overdue fines, the
Library's board of trustees has engaged Unique
Management Services, Inc., for a 90-day trial
collection period beginning Monday, February
2nd.
Unique Management specializes in collection efforts for libraries. They have demonstrated that their
"Gentle Nudge"(TM) approach encourages people to return materials and pay their fines, while still
maintaining good will. The library wants you to use the library, but if your fines and fees exceed
certain preset limits, that is not possible.
If someone checks out materials and then doesn't return them, you can't use them. Your tax dollars
have been used to purchase the books and other items. You should be able to check them out, like everyone else.
Here's how the collection system works. The library either calls or emails you when you have overdue
items and fines. If you have opted to be called, you will get an automated phone call and also at least
three written notices in the mail. If you have chosen email notification, you will receive four
notices by email. You can always check your account in the
online catalog.
Under this new system, if your account totals $25 or more and you do not pay it and/or return the
materials or make arrangements with the library, you may be turned over to Unique Management and
find that a $10 fee has been added to your account to cover the cost of collection.
If you ignore all the library's calls, emails, and letters, and choose to ignore the contacts from
Unique Management, as a last resort you may be reported to a credit reporting service. Please be assured
this will happen only in extreme cases. As you are probably aware, once something is sent to a
credit reporting service, it can lower your credit score.
The library is not instituting this system
to punish you. We just want the materials
returned and the fines paid so everyone can
use the library. It's that simple.
