Report to: General Committee Report Date: January 12, 2009

SUBJECT: Library Overdue Fine Increase

PREPARED BY: Catherine Biss. CEO Markham Public Library

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council approves the increase of Library overdue fines from $0.25/item/day to $0.30/item /day.

AND THAT Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial 5. Others (Strategic, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

To increase Library fines from $0.25/item/day to $0.30/item/day as per the Library’s proposed E3 initiative with a projected increase in revenues of $30,000.

BACKGROUND:

On November 24^th, the Budget Sub-Committee approved the increase of Library overdue fines from $0.25/item/day to $30/item/day.

On December 15^th, the Library Board passed a motion supporting the increase in fines to $0.30/item/day for books, magazines, talking books, music CD’s, CD ROMs, children’s kits, Express Bestsellers and Watt Readers.

The last fee increase was implemented in 1997.

This increase will place MPL above the average rate ($0.25) but still within the scale charged by other libraries. There are currently three libraries charging $0.30 (Barrie, Richmond Hill and Toronto) and one charging $0.35 per item per day (Mississauga).

Staff anticipates that the $0.30 overdue fine will be effective March 2^nd, 2009.

The new fine rate will be communicated to the public through the Library’s website, the Town page of local Markham newspapers, printed bookmarks, posters, the date due slip and through postings in the Library Branches.

DEPARTMENTS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Finance

RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________ ________________________

Catherine biss	Brenda Librecz
CEO Markham Public Library	Commissioner Community and Fire Services