LIHU‘E — Effective this week, public-library fines for overdue books moved from 15 cents per item per day to 25 cents per item per day, states a Hawai‘i State Public Library System news release. The new rule for children’s borrowings
LIHU‘E — Effective this week, public-library fines for overdue books moved from 15 cents per item per day to 25 cents per item per day, states a Hawai‘i State Public Library System news release.
The new rule for children’s borrowings went into effect Thursday, and the maximum fine moved from $4.50 per item to $7.50 per item for borrowers 17 and under.
By implementing this change, overdue fines and the maximum amount per item will be the same for all borrowers, the release states.
“There are three main benefits for converting to a uniform fee structure,” said State Librarian Richard Burns.
“A uniform fee structure is predictable and easy to remember, it will ensure fairness to all library patrons and it will encourage all our patrons to borrow responsibly.”
Parents can help their children keep track of due dates for loaned library materials on the HSPLS website, www.librarieshawaii.org. Select the Information tab, click on the My Account tab, log in, and select “Checked Out.” Borrowers of DVDs and videos should be aware that overdue fines for those items dropped from $1 per item per day to 25 cents per item per day, the release states.
The rental fee for DVDs and videos is $1 per item for seven days.
Other rule changes were recently approved by the state Board of Education:
— Library cards. A new library card application and renewal form will advise parents and guardians that they will be held financially responsible for any fines, fees or charges incurred by a minor whose library card application they are signing;
— Replacement library cards. Hawaii residents and military members will be charged $5 for replacement cards, down from $10, making the fee consistent for both juveniles and adults;
— Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of any entrance, exit, window or ventilation intake. This change is in compliance with the state’s Smoke-Free Law (Act 295) of 2006;
— Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all library property.
See www.librarieshawaii.org/information/rules/adminrules.htm for a complete listing of the revised 2010 HSPLS administrative rules.
