Carnegie Library to raise fines in face of debt

To reduce its debt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will increase service fees and fines on… To reduce its debt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will increase service fees and fines on overdue materials beginning Jan. 1.

The increased fines and fees are part of a plan, approved by the library’s Board of Trustees this past October, to address a projected $1.5 million funding shortfall for 2010.

The increases come at a critical time when funding for library services remains flat, even as the demand for library services continues to rise, according to a news release.

Fines on overdue adult books, VHS, CDs and MP3s will increase to 30 cents per day, while fines on all overdue children’s materials will increase to 20 cents per day. Currently, the late fee for adult material is 20 cents per day and there is no fee on overdue children’s material.

The library’s Board of Trustees will meet Monday to discuss other ways to decrease its debt, including the possible closures of four of its branches.