Shelley Williams, library director said, “It’s budget time again and we are planning for 2013. Did you know that as of September 30th, the library was owed over $36,000 in fines, fees and unreturned books? Did you know that your library’s income is being reduced by falling property taxes and other revenue reductions at the local and state level?”

Williams said the library staff has been very prudent in controlling costs and expenditures as well as implementing several measures to reduce and control rising costs as much as possible. “The reduction in revenue, and the large amount of fines owed your library makes quite an impact on our ability to continue providing exceptional services to you, our customers,” she added.

The library director said they are willing to work with patrons by setting up payment plans to help with these accounts. All overdue accounts will need to be paid off in full before the New Year in order to avoid more penalties, including having accounts blocked for computer use and sending some accounts to collection.

“This is not a decision made lightly, but one we find necessary in this age of rising costs and diminishing income. Please stop by if you need more information and help us restore some of our budget cuts by bringing overdue accounts up-to-date,” Williams said.