The County Writes Off Library's Debt

The Board of Supervisors wrote off more than $879,000 in Kern County Library debt and lost materials Tuesday. The uncollectable accounts ranged from 2001 to 2003, according to library officials. Library patron Sandra Chester said she is upset she and other responsible library users will have to pay for the irresponsible library patrons actions. "It's irresponsible for people to take public funds. This is basically what they're doing and stealing them. So for all of us who use the library it will hurt us all, fees will go up and services will have to be reduced," Chester said. In this case, there were more than 22,000 people who could not be reached to return materials or pay late fees, Sherry Gomez, deputy director of libraries, said. County libraries are looking into a more effective lending procedure plan along with finding better ways in informing the public about the importance in returning materials in a timely matter.