Going Green At The Library

The C.H. Booth Library is taking a giant step forward to “going green” when the new, paperless overdue notices policy goes into effect in February, library director Janet Woycik said this week. The change is being made to save money and to reduce waste.

Library patrons will have several options to keep track of accounts, including Library ELF, email notifications, or logging into personal accounts on the library website (CHBoothLibrary.org).

Library ELF allows patrons to receive emails or RSS feed to their cellphones prior to an item’s due date. Family cards can be combined to one notice, and notification from more than one library is possible. Handouts on signing up for Library ELF is available at the main circulation desk on the second floor of the library.

A form is available at the library, as well, for those customers wishing to submit an email address.

Accessing an account via the library website allows patrons to see due dates, renew items, and check on waiting lists.

Those library patrons without computer access, or who prefer a low-tech approach, are urged to retain the receipts printed out when an item is borrowed.

Planned regular visits to the library can also help avoid overdue returns, said Ms Woycik.

Bills for lost items will continue to be mailed out, however.

“Printed and mailed overdues are very expensive for the library. We spend approximately $7,200 on overdues annually,” Ms Woycik said. “We feel this money is better spent on the materials patrons want.”