Florida county libraries reduce overdue cap

After March 19, library users in Lee County, Florida, with more than $10 in overdue fines on their accounts will not be able to use the computers or check out books, the Naples News reports. This overdue cap had been as high as $50 until accounts became delinquent in the past. It was later lowered to $25, and has now reached $10. "Lowering the cap is an ongoing effort to reduce the amount people owe to the library," Sheldon Kaye, director of the Lee County Library System, told the news source. "This is a long-term systematic action to avoid problems such as debts and a slower circulation." Library patrons are able to check out books for a month at time, although the length decreases to two weeks for high-demand books. They can also rent DVDs for seven days. However, once their overdue amount reaches $25, they will be subject to action from a debt recovery service. The county library's website adds that users won't be able to access materials at the "Download Depot," where patrons can download audiobooks, ebooks and music to their computers or phones.