Library drops exemption for overdue books borrowed by city councillors

A loophole that allowed city councillors to avoid fines on overdue library materials has been quietly removed by the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library.

Without explanation, the special treatment for members of City Council was not included in a 2016 fee schedule approved last night by the library's board.

Similarly pulled from the fee schedule are exemptions provided to city department heads.

But library board members themselves continue to be exempt from late-book fees, as are seniors aged 60 and older, talking-book patrons and current and retired library employees. 

Fines charged for damaged or lost items originally donated to the library are going up to reflect the rising cost of books, CDs and DVDs.

$7.50 will now be charged for lost paperbacks, up $2.50 from before.

$15 will be charged for missing softcover books, up $5.

The fine for lost books on CDs or DVDs will now be $10, up $8.

Damaged or lost items originally purchased by the library will continue to cost the purchase price plus $5.65.

Fees for renting overhead projectors or audio-visual hardware have been removed from the schedule because the library no longer has that equipment.

New in 2016 will be a VHS-to-DVD conversion service, which will cost $13.50.

The new fee schedule takes effect January 1.

3D printer

The cost for 3D prints has been set at $2.26 per item plus $0.10 per gram of material used,

Library staff used the new 3D printer to make a part for a microfiche machine that is no longer available.

A library patron tried to make a Rubik's Cube but found the job was too complex for the library's printer.

Another exceptionally handsome library patron used the world-changing technology to make an exceptionally handsome bust of himself, board members were told.

Volunteer appreciation

In other news, the Sault Ste, Marie Public Library held a volunteer appreciation event last night.

Receiving special recognition were Frank Drew, George and Brenda Ireland, Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie, Northern Credit Union, the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie, the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie North, Friends of the Library and the district branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.

(PHOTO: Erich Eppert accepts a gift on behalf of Friends of the Library, recognizing 25 years of support from the volunteer organization. David Helwig/SooToday.)

Earlier SooToday coverage of this story

City councillors don't have to pay for overdue library books