Published: February 07, 2010 07:45 pm      

Forgive and Forget

LIbrary declares ‘Fine Amnesty month’

DUNCAN — Just because a library book is overdue doesn’t mean it has to accrue into a hefty fine.

February is Fine Amnesty Month at Duncan Public Library. The month will give people an opportunity to return overdue books without getting late fees and to clear their records of all existing late fees.

Library Director Jan Cole said, “If they return their books during February, they won’t get a late fee. If they already have some late fees, all they have to do is see me, and I’ll forgive them.”

Cole said lost and damaged books will still have to be paid for. Amnesty month applies only to items returned late. Amnesty month begins Feb. 1 and come to a close Feb. 27.

She said she hopes amnesty month will give people an opportunity to clear their records so they can check out more books. By having items returned, it could increase circulation by giving more people the chance to check out those books.

“I hope it will (increase circulation),” Cole said.

The library usually has an amnesty month at least once a year. February was selected because the month is Library Lovers Month, Cole said.

Cole began as the new library director toward the beginning of January. She said amnesty month will be one opportunity for her to get to know some of the people in the community.

“It’s an opportunity for people to get their (overdue) books in without getting late fees,” Cole said. “Plus, it’s a chance for me to meet patrons.”

She said the goal of amnesty month is to get books returned to the library. Cole said returning books is up to the patrons who check them out, but amnesty month should make the process of returning books a bit easier because people won’t have to worry about late fees.

She said the quicker people return their books the quicker they will be able to take advantage of all the library has to offer. Cole said she hopes amnesty month will also help people clear their records and start fresh with the library.

“People need to realize that everyone who loves books will probably misplace a book at some point,” Cole said. “They just need to be responsible and continue to enjoy the library.”



— Derrick Miller is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 160, or via e-mail at derrick.miller@duncanbanner.com.