Bell Memorial Public Library Goes Fine Free
MENTONE — In late 2019 the Bell Memorial Public Library Board began discussing the merits of no longer issuing fines for overdue materials.
The initial intent of fines was to encourage the return of Library materials so that others could enjoy those materials as well, said a news release from the Bell Memorial Public Library.
After looking at the number of fines received versus the negative impact it has on the user ship, the decision was relatively simple.
At the Feb. 24 meeting, the library board decided that it would rather have increased library usage with no fines versus collecting fines and risking fewer users. Effective March 1, the Bell Memorial Public Library will be fine free with one exception and a few updates:
- The fine for returning the Internet Hotspot will remain at $5.00.
- Effective March 1, no fines will be collected and all previous fines will be forgiven.
- That patrons must return or at least renew their materials when they come due.
- Those who do not return/renew their materials, their account could be sent to a collection agency and potentially sent to the Credit Bureau if the materials are deemed as lost.
- Patrons who have materials marked as lost and the value of those materials is over $10.00. They will not be allowed to borrow materials until those materials are returned.
Additional updates were made to the number of materials that can be borrowed. Residents of Harrison Township and patrons paying the non-resident fee may borrow up to 30 items; the loan limit of 6 DVDs remains the same. PLAC/Reciprocal patrons may check out a maximum of 20 items, and students (not family members) in the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation may borrow up to 10 items.
As a reminder, the Library always encourages patrons to request items for purchase if it happens that the Library doesn’t own them. Any questions can be sent to Library Director Stephen Boggs at [email protected]
DVD’s coming soon include: “Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa,” “Merry and Bright,” “Frankie,” “The Reliant,” “Color Out of Space,” “The Great Alaskan Race,” “Life with Dog,” “Overcomer,” “Bottled with Joy,” “Uncut Gems,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “True Love Blooms” and “The Gentlemen.”
See what’s streaming on Hoopla Digital! Log on today to read these audiobooks: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, “Healthy Habits Suck” by Dayna Lee Baggley and “Awk-Weird – A Hot Romantic Comedy” by Avery Flynn. Teens and children can browse these titles: “The Green Ember” by S.D. Smith and “Anne Frank” by Anne Frank. If you do not have a Hoopla Digital account we can help! Please see a library staff member for assistance and information on how to get started. Please note, you do have to have a valid library card to set up an account.
Monday afternoon at the movies! Please join the library at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 9 The feature film will be “Beach Blanket Bingo.” Frankie (Frankie Avalon) and the gang are hitting the beach for some good old-fashioned shenanigans. To get the party underway, the manager (Paul Lynde) of pop singer Sugar Kane (Linda Evans) decides a skydiving publicity stunt will really do the trick. As Frankie and the others are pulled into the plan, things get out of control. Throw in Bonehead (Jody McCrea) falling in love with a mermaid (Marta Kristen) and a kidnapping biker (Harvey Lembeck), and the party’s just getting started. Popcorn and a drink will be provided.
Creative Corner is scheduled from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10. This month, crafters can make a Curious Bunny Pot. The cost is $5.00. All materials will be provided. Creative Corner is for adults only, ages 18 and up. Please contact Billie Abalos or Sharon Kindig for more information.
Story Hour is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, March 13 and will take place in the Children’s room. The theme for this week is “Pete the Cat.” The book to be read will be “Pete the Cat and Hi Four Groovy Buttons.” Children can make a Pete the Cat magnet for their craft.