Library after its overdue material

Don't forget to return your library books — if you do, a collection agency could be sent after you.

Keene Memorial Library is trying a new approach to make sure books, videos and other lending materials are returned.

The library will begin a relationship Nov. 1 with Unique Management Services, a materials recovery company that works with libraries.

"UMS is a collection agency for 550 libraries that's been in business for 14 years," said Ann Stephens, library director. "We are going to send usual overdue notices; this is only for people who are ignoring us."

She said the new program will not affect most library patrons who return borrowed materials on time.

Keene Memorial Library will only refer accounts to UMS after library materials are 60 days overdue and overdue notices have been ignored.

"We're not in this to hound people. We're in this to get our books back. Our idea is not to threaten, but to get people's attention," Stephens said. "One book, ‘Starting School With an Enemy' was a recent children's book when it was checked out Dec. 30, 2000. It's never been returned."

The cost of the collection service will be paid for by an added charge to the patron's account when it is referred to UMS. Stephens said UMS will send out letters and make phone calls, urging the patron to respond. If the book is returned and the fines are paid, the patron can continue to use the library, she said.

The fine for children's books are 5 cents per day, the fine for adult books is 10 cents per day and videotapes and DVDs cost 50 cents for each day they are late.

If patrons refuse to return books or pay fines when contacted by UMS, the company will report the loss to national credit reporting agencies, and that can hurt a person's credit rating.

"If you don't return a school book, you don't get your degree," Stephens said. "Prior to now, there was no recourse for us."

At a 1 percent annual loss rate, the Keene Memorial Library is below the national loss average of 2 percent, but Stephens said she would like to see an even lower loss rate.

"Our annual budget is $114,000," she said. "Every dollar we spend replacing unreturned materials is one dollar less that we can spend on new ones."

For more information, visit the library or call 727-2694.