Monroe Free Library tightens belt, increases fees

Monroe - Beginning in January, the Monroe Free Library will increase the fines for overdue books, add new charges for other services and eliminate parts of its summer reading program for children. The cost-cutting measures are a direct result of the defeat on Election Day of the library’s operating budget. Voters rejected the $1,047,545 proposal by a margin of 365 votes. Library officials said the proposal’s $124,995 in increased spending was needed because of higher fixed costs like utilities. “Patrons have been expressing to us their shock and concern over the defeat since Election Day,” Library Director Marilyn McIntosh said in a press release. “Some say they did not notice the budget item among the other propositions on the ballot. There was also some confusion among voters who thought the vote was for a new building.” There will be no confusion over the new and increased fees: • Beginning next year, there will be a non-refundable $1 fee for each movie borrowed in either DVD or VHS format. • The fee charged for printing documents by the library’s Internet users will increase from 10¢ to 15¢ per page. • The adult fine for overdue material will increase from 20¢ to 25¢ per day to a maximum of $10. • The fine for children’s materials will increase from 10¢ to 15¢ per day with a maximum of $5. Library officials also said they will control costs by scaling back on programs in 2006. “We’re faced with changing and eliminating events in our Summer Reading Program,” said Rebecca Lynn, head of Children’s and Young Adult Services. “The demand has grown each year for this wildly popular program that encourages library use among young people. Last year’s enrollment was the highest ever and we were unable to serve every child who wanted to participate because of budget and space restraints.” Despite the changes, McIntosh was adamant that service would not suffer. Patrons who have questions about the new policies may stop by the Monroe Free Library at 44 Millpond Parkway or call 783-4411.