Georgia's Cobb County Public Library System Increases Fines, Cuts Hours

LINK

Link to October 1 Atlanta Journal-Constitution article, "Cobb cuts library services as user numbers increase".

Excerpt: Cobb County library cardholders received a warning this week.

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“Time is ticking! You may want to check in the closet and under the bed for overdue library items you can return before fines go up,” the message said.

As part of the county’s budget balancing for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, Cobb's $12 million library budget was cut about 5 percent. In response, the system's 17 branches will soon open an hour later and close an hour earlier. Some smaller community branches will close on Saturdays and all branches save for the Central Library will close on Sundays.

The new hours, expected to save about $264,000, take effect Oct. 17. Fine and fee increases began Friday.

“During these times when revenues are down and the economy is in the tank we did have to make hard decisions, and we regret any inconveniences that the public may feel,” Poyer said.