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ZEBULON - The J. Joel Edwards Public Library in Zebulon appreciates its loyal patrons – those who return their checked out items in a timely manner, those who donate gently used books and DVDs for cataloguing or sale, those who attend library-sponsored events, and, yes, those who pay their fines in a hassle-free manner.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving the library will focus on some special patrons – those who have “long overdue items.” From time to time patrons sheepishly approach the front desk with items that they just knew had been turned in but later evolved between the couch cushions, under the back seat of the car, in a packing box, at Grandma’s house in Texas, or in a child’s backpack. The 20-cents-per-day overdue fines have reached the maximum charge of $10 per item. Those fines can quickly become embarrassingly overwhelming.
To those patrons the J. Joel Edwards Public Library would like to say, “We forgive you.” No, really. “The library is missing literally hundreds of books and DVDs,” says library assistant Bill Millican. “Some of these are relatively new acquisitions, but all of them are items that we would like to have back so that they will be available to other patrons.”
For one week, November 13-22, the library will offer amnesty in exchange for these missing items. Patrons who have overdue items will be charged absolutely no fines for items that are returned on those days, provided the materials are in good condition (without damage). Millican adds, “This is our fourth year offering Thanksgiving amnesty; we have received many books that had been checked out for more than a year. The patrons were glad to have their library cards free of all charges and usable again, and we were happy to have our books back. It’s a win-win.”
Amnesty does not apply to damaged or lost items, previous fines, or to items returned in the drop box or to another library.
For further information on this or other library programs, patrons may visit or call the library during regular business hours: MWF 10-5, TTh 10-7, and Sat. 10-3.