City Statement: Uncollected Library Fees
The City of Corpus Christi is aware of a news media report regarding uncollected library fees and loss of inventory. On average, over the last five years, approximately $57,645 has been uncollected in fees for unreturned or damaged materials and overdue fines annually across six public libraries. The report provided to KRIS-TV appears to cover approximately 17 years. Loss of inventory occurs as part of business operations. It is widely understood in the library industry that fees are partially unrecoverable.
The City of Corpus Christi is committed to financial stewardship and will continue working with the Finance Department to ensure appropriate policies are in place.
In 2006, the City hired a collection agency to collect unpaid library fines of over $25. By 2012, the cost of collections exceeded the amount collected.
The City also considered using the Municipal Court to collect unpaid fees. However, it was determined that significant challenges existed in criminalizing library violations, including enforcement, prosecution and collection of court judgments.
Current efforts to collect lost fees include the following:
- Advance notice is sent via email before the item’s due date. Patrons may also request notices via text message.
- Payment plans are available.
- Payment is available online and at self-checkout stations.
- Patrons with outstanding fines of $5 or more cannot check out items.
The City of Corpus Christi is not alone in this issue. Libraries nationwide face similar challenges, and many have stopped charging overdue fines entirely.
The City supports the Corpus Christi Public Libraries' mission: to improve literacy, enhance knowledge, and create a sense of community by making useful information easily accessible to the Corpus Christi area.