Countywide : Library Fee Hikes Draw Few Complaints

A variety of fine increases and new fees designed to help Orange County’s struggling public library system weather the bankruptcy went into effect this week, apparently with few complaints from patrons.

For the first time, the 27-branch Orange County Public Library system is renting out for $1.50 a week extra copies of best-sellers from such authors as John Grisham and Stephen King.

Librarians at the Mesa Verde branch said Thursday that the books are going at a brisk pace and that some patrons asked for a larger selection of titles.

Renting out books is one of several ways the county is hoping to generate extra revenue for the library system, which cut its budget from $23 million to $20 million this year.

Beginning July 1, the overdue book fine increased to 25 cents a day from 20 cents. The system also now charges 25 cents to reserve a book.

Previously, the service was free.

Helen Lotos, community relations manager for the library system, said a survey of several branches found few complaints about the new fees.

Individual branches continue to adjust services and hours.

In Anaheim, for example, the city’s branch libraries will resume service on Mondays after nearly four years of being closed on those days.

In a change from schedules posted earlier, the Costa Mesa branch is now open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Laguna Beach and La Palma branches are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays; and Tustin and Westminster, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays.

The Mary Wilson branch in Seal Beach is now open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

San Clemente is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.