HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09252012 - C.54RECOMMENDATION(S):
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the “read down” program to provide teens an opportunity to read down their fines
during Teen Read Week, for the period of October 14, 2012 through October 20, 2012, as recommended by the
County Librarian.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Library projects a loss of fine revenue of approximately $4,500. This will be offset by the value of missing items
returned to the Library, which is estimated to be $8,600.
BACKGROUND:
Research indicates that libraries nationwide have used fines amnesty programs as a way for teen patrons to “clean
up” their accounts, and as a successful way to encourage “lost” teen patrons to return to the libraries. In addition to
bringing teens back to the library, the goal of the program is also to recover lost items.
Importantly, the program would support specific Contra Costa County Library objectives.
Community preferences. Data (Strategic Plan, p. 5) indicate that there is an expressed need for an
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 09/25/2012 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: 925-927-3201
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: September 25, 2012
David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Carrie Del Bonta, Deputy
cc:
C. 54
To:Board of Supervisors
From:Barbara Flynn, Library
Date:September 25, 2012
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Library Teen Read Week "Read Down Fines" program.
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
emphasis of library services and programs for children and teens.
Positive publicity. Communities respond positively to programs that support teen learning, which is excellent public
relations for the Library. The program also promotes and supports the nationwide celebration of Teen Read Week.
Literacy leadership. The Library is expected to promote a love for reading and libraries–A “read down” for fines
forgiveness supports this.
Materials recovery. Overdue items returned would again be available for use, thus increasing information
accessibility and turnover.
Charges that can be waived are limited to fines. Lost book charges, processing charges, and accounts already sent to
the library’s collection agency cannot be waived.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Overdue items will not be returned to the library; teens will not be given a fresh start at the library.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
Older children (teens) will not have the opportunity to start fresh at the library.