By Jessica Hellen
The Ottawa Public Library Board has approved a recommendation from city council to increase adult user fees and fines by three per cent.
Coun. Rick Chiarelli, chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board, says the city requested the increase to try to cover a $109 million shortfall.
“When a book is not returned on time, it costs us money because we have to replace it with something on the shelf,” Chiarelli says. “We can’t afford to do that anymore.”
Users returning their books late will now have to pay 40 cents per day instead of 35 cents.
According to Chiarelli, the library receives approximately $300,000 a year in late fees.
With an increase in charges including fees for lost or damaged materials, overdue fines and replacement cards, the library will take in an estimated $200,000 more, Chiarelli says.
“We did it in Nepean before amalgamation, and it worked really well,” he says.
City librarian Barbara Clubb says the money will be used to operate and maintain the library.
“It keeps the doors open, allows us to purchase materials and keeps the floors swept.”
Clubb says the increased fees and fines will be permanent, coming into effect in about six weeks. The new rates will apply to all 33 branches of the library.
Chiarelli says he does not expect a positive response to the fee and fine increase.
“Oh, people will be mad,” he says, “but unless somebody gives us a whole whack of money there’s nothing we can do.”
Elham Yousef says she is unhappy about the increase.
“Sometimes you’re too busy or the weather is really bad and you can’t bring the books back on time,” she says.
Clubb says despite the initial disappointment, she expects users to recognize why the library has to take these steps.
“No one’s happy about paying an increase,” Clubb says, “but I think users understand the problems in the City of Ottawa and will appreciate the value they get out of the library.”
Karen Kelly, who says she frequently takes books out of the library, says she’s not upset about the fee and fine increase.
“The way I look at it, the money is going back to the library, so I don’t mind,” she says.
Vincent Chenier says he also supports the increase.
“I think it’s fine,” he says. “If you go to Chapters you spend $20 on a very thin book, so the library is still a great resource no matter what your income.”
Chenier says he usually returns his books on time.
“Lately, I’ve been good about that,” Chenier laughs, “but I’ve brought books back late before. It’s easy sometimes to forget.”