Friday, June 27, 2008

New Reminder Service Eases Impact of Fine Increase

The Ridgefield Library is pleased to introduce Library ELF, a free service that allows library users to request e-mail or text message reminders several days ahead of when items are due. One popular feature is the ability to consolidate information about all of your family’s library accounts, even at multiple libraries, in one location and receive just one combined reminder. Check our website at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org or ask at the Circulation Desk for information on how to put Library ELF to work for you.

ELF may be of particular interest in light of the recent Library Board decision to raise fines on overdue books to 25 cents per day, effective July 1st. Everyone is feeling the economic pinch these days, and the Library is not immune to the escalating cost of everything from postage to electricity. This is one of many strategies the Library is exploring to remain a fiscally responsible organization in tight times. We hope this move also will encourage people to adhere to due dates and keep our collection circulating briskly and equitably, so that others may have their turn to read that new bestseller in a timely manner. The $1.00 per day fine on videos, DVDs and videogames remains the same, and modest per item maximum fine limits also stay the same, at $2.50 for children’s materials, $5.00 for adult materials and $10.00 for video materials.

The Library offers many other ways to help you avoid paying fines. Most items can be renewed online. All items, including audiovisual material, may be returned in the outside book drop after hours without incurring an overdue charge until after we open the next day. E-mail overdue notices provide more timely notification of mounting fines than conventional mailed notices. A receipt print-out of all items borrowed can be helpful in keeping track of what is due when. Ask for details at the Circulation Desk.

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