Public Library Addresses Overdue Books; Over $600,000 Owed

TYLER — Citing a backlog totaling over $600,000, the Tyler Public Library has implemented a new policy on overdue books. The City Council recently authorized the city manager to enter into an agreement with Unique Management Services, Inc. to aid in the collection of fines and fees owed to the library. Officials say $640,228.10 is currently owed to the library in delinquent fines and lost materials dating back fourteen years.

The Library’s overdue notification process is as follows:

· A courtesy notice is sent two days before the item is due.
· The first overdue notice is sent when the item is one day past due.
· The second overdue notice is sent after seven days past due.
· The third notice is sent after the account has been billed and the item is 21 days past due.
· A mailed notice is the final attempt to collect prior to the account being sent to the collection agency.

Before delinquent accounts are submitted to the collection agency, library staff will offer a two-week amnesty for fines and fees for those patrons who return their overdue materials in good condition, and for those patrons who have previously returned materials, but still have outstanding fines. This amnesty period will run from May 1 through May 14. The Tyler Public Library is located at 201 S. College Ave. in downtown Tyler. More information can be found on the Library’s website at http://www.TylerLibrary.com or by calling (903) 593-7323.