by the Common Council

Big library fines proposed
$1,500 fine for stealing items, altering records

Feb. 5, 2007 -- Stripping libary materials of identification or security devices or hacking into the library's computer system could result in a $1,500 fine, under an ordinance recommended for adoption by a Common Council committee.

While most people come to the library with good intentions, City Librarian Paula Kiely said, some people create problems, "whether it's not following the rules, or disorderly conduct."

Ald. Joe Davis, a sponsor of the measure, said some people commit "egregious acts" in their library dealings.

"It's been an extreme problem in the library system," he said.

The ordinance, recommended for adoption by the council's Community and Econonmic Development Committee, defines unlawful library acts the misuse of library computer records, failing to return library material, giving false information when registering for a library card, or altering library computer records.

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