Forsyth Library Board Raises Fees, Tightens Collection Policies

Forsyth County Public Library officials approved several changes to patron charges and account management policies during a board meeting on December 4. The board voted to double overdue fines from $0.10 to $0.20 per item per day, impose a $2 charge for interlibrary loan return postage, raise out of county resident library card fees from $30 to $60, lower the threshold for referral to a debt collection agency from $25 to $10, and add a $25 fee for bounced checks.

Library director Jon McDaniel described the measures as responses to tighter budgets and the need to encourage timely returns and responsible account management. The changes mark a shift toward more assertive collection practices, with accounts owing $10 or more now subject to referral for outside collection, a move that will involve more patrons earlier than under the previous $25 threshold.

For regular users the effect will be immediate on everyday borrowing costs. Overdue fines, while still modest per day, will add up more quickly for items kept long beyond their due dates. Interlibrary loan users who return materials by mail will now face a $2 charge to cover postage, and nonresident card holders will see the annual or periodic out of county fee double to $60.

The board framed the changes as a way to preserve services without cutting hours or staff. For local residents, the restructured fees mean greater incentive to return items on time, and closer attention to account balances to avoid collection action. The lower referral threshold could bring earlier collection notices and added administrative or collection fees for those with small outstanding balances.

Patrons should check their accounts and borrowing histories, return overdue items promptly, and consider the increased cost of out of county membership before renewing. Library staff can assist with account questions and options for resolving balances, and the library remains a community resource even as it adjusts policies to meet fiscal pressures. The policy updates reflect local budget priorities and mirror difficult choices facing public libraries as they balance access to materials with operating costs.