[CALIBK12] Library Fines in Ed Code?

[Sylvia Cieply]

It doesn't seem right to charge the same amount for an 8 year old
biography of some disgraced athlete or politician as you would charge
for a brand new Stephen Biesty book  (or substitute anything you'd like
that's expensive)!

>>> "Linda Rodriguez" <lrodrigu at fcusd.org> 5/5/2009 10:40 AM >>>
Hi Susan,
 
I am not charging fines as our district will not allow us to.  But I
was asking about the average price of $22.00 that I charge if the book
doesn't come back.  Ideally I just want the book back, but if it
doesn't
come back then I charge the $22.00 average price.  This is different I
think from charging overdue fines like the city library does.

>>> "Adamich, Susan" <Susan.Adamich at venturausd.org> 5/5/2009 8:47 AM
>>>

Several school librarians have mentioned that the law regarding
collecting school library overdue fines is in the California Education
Code. I have been doing some research and have not found anything
about
library overdue fines. (I’m taking a class in School Law this
semester
and this captured my interest.) There are specifics in the Ed Code
about
students/parents being responsible for the replacement of lost or
damaged school materials – either by paying or performing community
service at school to compensate for the loss of school materials; but
fines for overdue library books that have been returned are not
specifically mentioned. (see attachment)
 
Is there a really a code/law that addresses the legality of charging
students for books returned past the due date? Or, is this just common
practice that has become a “tradition” in our society? We all know
of
public libraries that charge overdue fines. 
 
If someone knows the code number, or where to find the legal document;
please share. Thanks!

 
Susan Adamich
Teacher Librarian
De Anza Middle School
2060 Cameron Street
Ventura, CA 93001
805-641-5165 ext.2057
susan.adamich at venturausd.org 

 

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money
will get you through times of no libraries."