Possible raise in library fines & added fees for requesting items

[poetrytalks]

The Sonoma County Library Commission will discuss possible increases in library fines and fees at its May 7 meeting. The topic is on the agenda for 7 p.m. at the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library.

This discussion is the time for people to make their views known on paying more, including higher fines for overdue items and potential fees for requesting items.

The Commission will not take action on Monday night but action may be taken in the future.

Comment at https://sonomalibrary.org/blogs/

I would like to see other ways to meet costs. For example, one can raise money for nonprofits by searching with Goodsearch and even online shopping.

[SandBar]

When I lived in Marin more than a decade ago, we paid for requested books - 25 or 50 cents. not a problem.
and it brings needed funds to the library and would probably limit any frivolous requests. You may not make them but sometimes I do, thinking I;d like a book and then never look at it.

The Sonoma County Library Commission will discuss possible increases in library fines and fees at its May 7 meeting. The topic is on the agenda for 7 p.m. at the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library.

This discussion is the time for people to make their views known on paying more, including higher fines for overdue items and potential fees for requesting items.

The Commission will not take action on Monday night but action may be taken in the future.

Comment at https://sonomalibrary.org/blogs/

I would like to see other ways to meet costs. For example, one can raise money for nonprofits by searching with Goodsearch and even online shopping.

[Dixon]

I don't begrudge the library some fees for their excellent services, especially regarding late fees. Sorry, folks, but you don't get to complain about late fees. Don't wanna pay late fees? No problema--return all your books etc. on time! Voila--no late fees! And if you're so flaky you can't get the books or whatever returned on time, pay the late fees without whining.

[rossmen]

everytime i return things late i cringe at the rediculously low amount asked for! and they don't take tips. so let me complain right now that the fines are too low, i hope they raise them tenfold, them maybe i will remember to return on time and happy to pay when i don't...

I don't begrudge the library some fees for their excellent services, especially regarding late fees. Sorry, folks, but you don't get to complain about late fees. Don't wanna pay late fees? No problema--return all your books etc. on time! Voila--no late fees! And if you're so flaky you can't get the books or whatever returned on time, pay the late fees without whining.

[glenclem]

The low fee's for the great services in the Sonoma County Library system are a bargin! A raise in fees for services is a fair way to keep these services available. I visited a library (Seattle?) where the electrical outlets for computers were on coin operated timers!

Any friends of the Sebastopol Library out there know how much money is raised every year? I always have a box waiting to be filled and donated for their sales. Also thanks to the Sebastopol library staff, always helpful and friendly.

[Roland Jacopetti]

In particular, hopelessly addicted readers of newly-published books (you know who you are) understand how enormously expensive current hardbounds are (even if you scout ABE for used ones). By all means, raise all the library rates - I would be willing to pay ten dollars a month for unlimited library privileges. A flat fee of a dollar per book for reserving copies would also be O.K., even though a popular book now takes months to get.Watch out, friends! Privatizing public libraries is one the way!

[daynurse]

One little known and invaluable resource is AddAll.com. They search about 75 bookstores, half.com and others, compare the price plus shipping and give you a link to buy it. Even new books are cheaper this way.
AddAll even has a rare and out-of-print search that I've had tremendous luck with.
That being said, I"ve been more prone to buy the book than pay the library to hold a book for me. If it's a new book, I often can't stand the wait.
Peggy

In particular, hopelessly addicted readers of newly-published books (you know who you are) understand how enormously expensive current hardbounds are (even if you scout ABE for used ones).

[peggykarp]

I lived up in Josephine County in SW Oregon in 2006 when the county closed the libraries--completely--all of them--for lack of funds. I didn't realize that could happen here in the good old USA. After a long hiatus they reopened, but on a very limited basis, running entirely on money raised by library lovers through endless fundraising, grantseeking and volunteering.

That experience made me appreciate libraries in a way I never had before. I will happily pay any fee the library asks of me. This great public institution is now an endangered species, like the post office and our public schools.

In particular, hopelessly addicted readers of newly-published books (you know who you are) understand how enormously expensive current hardbounds are (even if you scout ABE for used ones). By all means, raise all the library rates - I would be willing to pay ten dollars a month for unlimited library privileges. A flat fee of a dollar per book for reserving copies would also be O.K., even though a popular book now takes months to get.Watch out, friends! Privatizing public libraries is one the way!