Library fines, grace periods to change

Great River Regional Library’s (GRRL) fine structure for overdue materials will change beginning January 2004, as will the “grace periods” affecting when those fines kick in. The changes will take effect on materials returned to the library or book returns as of Jan. 1, 2004. Most fines will double. The fine for overdue children’s materials will be 10 cents per day with a nine-day grace period. The fine for overdue adult materials will be 20 cents per day, with a four-day grace period. This means that as soon as a fine is due (10 days after the due date for children’s books, five days after the due date for adult books) the minimum fine will be $1. The fine for overdue videotapes and DVDs is $1 per day with no grace period. Fines accrue to a maximum of $6 per item.  Increases in fines are also occurring at other libraries in the state, said Verne Oleksowicz, GRRL deputy director. Those changes were all stimulated by revenue reductions related to the statewide deficit. The GRRL system includes all public libraries in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright counties.