The questions of the day are: “Why is it so important that I update my personal information at the library. I mean it’s not a crime is it if the library can’t get ahold of me is it? So, why should I care? Isn’t it safer if I keep this information to myself? ”
The question most librarians will ask to answer your question is “So, you don’t mind paying fines and late fees?” Many library patrons only come to the library once in awhile. Hey, life happens and the next thing you know, you haven’t been to the library in well over two and a half months. But wait, the books you checked out last time were due in only three weeks. You have now accumulated close to $4.00 in fines for each book or magazine you checked out and close to $5.00 in fines for every Audio Book or DVD borrowed!
May I offer a little insight into the way our library is currently working? When books are late by more than a day or two, the library will pull the cards and try to contact the patrons to offer a friendly reminder about their overdue materials. If a patron asks, the librarian will renew that title over the telephone and the fines STOP. So instead of having to pay $4.00 or $5.00 per title, the patron will only have to pay ten or twenty cents! If, however, the librarian can not contact you because you moved or your telephone number changed, the librarian will have to let the fines accumulate. Financially, it pays to keep your current information on file at the library.
As to safety, the Peabody Township Library will never release our patron list or ANY of their contact information to any group for any reason. Your information is treated with the highest standard of privacy. You will not be put on any mailing lists nor will your telephone numbers be released to any calling lists. The contact information you provided will only be used for internal library use. Also, it is password protected and secured in an off site location. So, if our computer should be stolen (as has happened recently with other government agencies), your personal data is still safe and secure.
So, the next time the librarian asks about your personal contact information, he is not trying to pry, he is simply trying to serve you better. If your information has changed recently and you are not sure the library has your correct information, take just a second and visit with your librarian to bring him up to speed. Just a few seconds could save you $$$.
