Starting July 1, 2010, overdue fees for free materials from the Champaign Public Library will be 20 cents per day, up from the previous 10 cents. Rental items — popular items that check out for $1 per week — will stay at their current rate of 20 cents per day.
This is the Champaign Public Library’s first overdue fee increase since 1992. Due to slower growth in Champaign property taxes, the library’s main source of funding, the library is taking a variety of steps to balance its budget. This includes trimming programs and leaving staff positions vacant, along with the change in fees. These steps are necessary to keep funding for books and other library materials close to current levels, during a time when library use in Champaign continues to grow. The number of items checked out at the library has increased 50% since the library’s new building opened in January 2008.
The library continues to encourage patrons to return materials on time to avoid overdue fees. Patrons can save their checkout receipts or review their due dates in their library account online, accessible through the library’s website at www.champaign.org. The library also recommends using the free Library Elf service, which can send repeated e-mail reminders, both before and after items are due.
Elizabeth Otto
Promotional Services Manager
Champaign Public Library
200 W. Green St.
Champaign, IL 61820-5193
217/403-5365
217/403-2053 fax
champaign.org