County libraries want their books back

The Flathead County Library is missing some stuff. A lot of it.

And starting March 2, the library is launching an initiative to get it back called “The Prodigal Book,” which allows outstanding borrowers amnesty from overdue fines.

The goal is to have all those items currently listed as lost or overdue returned to the library. As it stands, about 6,500 items are lost and 90 days or more overdue. That number represents about 5 percent of the library’s total collection.

“Primarily, we want to get our materials back so they will be available for others to use and enjoy,” Library Director Kim Crowley said. “Just as important, we want to bring back to the library those customers who have been avoiding returning a lost item due to embarrassment or trepidation over accumulated fines.”

The estimated replacement value of the lost and overdue items is $128,342; coupled with an estimated processing cost of about $65,650, it brings the total replacement value to $193,992 — an amount equal to an entire year’s budget for new and current additions to the collection.

The amnesty period will last from March 2 through March 14, and any overdue item, regardless of length past due, can be returned to any library location during this period without penalty.

The end of the amnesty period  will mark the beginning of the new enforcement phase regarding lost materials, according to library staff. Collections will be administered by UNIQUE Management Services, a third party library specialty provider. At that point, patrons will be assessed the replacement cost of the lost item, plus a collection fee and a re-stocking fee.

For more information, please go to www.flatheadcountylibrary.org or stop by any Flathead County Library location.