Apache Junction library board to consider waiving fines for 4,024 patrons

Independent Newsmedia

More than 4,000 individuals who each racked up to $49.99 in fines to replace lost or damaged books and other materials for Apache Junction Public Library owe a combined $95,252 that would be forgiven under plans to be discussed Thursday by a city board.

The Apache Junction Library Board meets at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 10 in the city council chambers, 300 E. Superstition Blvd.

Forgiving the fines would have two benefits to the library — cleaning up the database and allowing people who are now turned away for nonpayment to return to the library, Library Director Pam Harrison said at a recent meeting of the Apache Junction Library Board.

Harrison checked the library’s database for individuals who have had up to $49.99 in fines for five to 10 years with expired library cards — or for 10 years and longer — and found 4,024 accounts.

She only checked those who racked up to $49.99 in fines as the…