About The Library
New Fines, Fees, and Limits
While Baldwin Public Library is diligently working to reduce expenses, it is also necessary that additional revenue be generated. Additional revenue sources will enable us to continue to offer our high level of service to the communities of Birmingham, Beverly Hills, and Bingham Farms. On February 1, 2010, the Library will implement a number of changes that were approved at the Library Board’s December meeting. These changes include:
- $1 fee for residents of Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Bloomfield Township to check out Hot Picks DVDs and books
- $2 fee for non-residents to check out Hot Picks DVDs and books
- Increase black and white photocopies and prints to 15 cents per sheet
- Increase many overdue fines by 5 cents per day (See fine chart)
- $2 fee to replace a lost library card
- Limit of 10 items for non-residents (Limits do NOT apply to residents of Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Bloomfield Township. See additional information on limits.)
These fees and limits reflect what is becoming standard practice with many libraries in the area. It is a necessary reality that libraries seek to find new funding sources as traditional revenue sources decline. These new revenue sources will help strengthen the Library’s financial position and will assist the Library in providing the same level of exemplary service to our resident communities.
Why do I have to pay more for fines?
The fees charged for fines have not been increased in the last 15 years. During this time we have seen our costs increase. We’ve now modestly increased the majority of our fines which will generate some additional and much-needed revenue. If you’d like to receive a reminder before your items are due, you can sign up for email notices.
Why am I being charged for Hot Pick items?
The Hot Picks collection is a premium service—you can check out the most popular items without a wait. Charging for these items will help the Library’s budget by creating additional revenue and will help to continue providing this service. Charging for such items is becoming more common with other libraries in the area. Even with the fee, we’re still a good deal for checking out new releases. If you don’t want to pay the fee and are a resident or contract cardholder, you can place a reserve on the title from our regular collection.
Why do I have to pay more for a black and white photocopy or computer print?
We’ve held our copy and print costs flat for over 15 years and are increasing the fee in response to rising expenses.
Why are you charging to replace a lost library card?
The first library card is provided at no charge. The replacement charge of $2 helps us to cover the expense of making the card.
Why are non-residents limited to 10 items?
Such limits are becoming standard among other libraries in the area. This encourages people to get the most out of their home library. This change also allows us to provide a greater level of service to our resident taxpayers. Limits do NOT apply to residents of Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Bloomfield Township.