200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #433
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5160
Fax: (714) 765-4454
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: JUNE 18, 2024
FROM: COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION TO APPROVE LIBRARY FEES FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2024/2025
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 38-D
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That City Council, by Resolution, approve and adopt the Library Fines and Fees Schedules as part of the Community Services Department, Library Services Division budget for FY 2024/25; approve the elimination of overdue fines; approve the conversion of certain rental media to free media; decrease fees for lost materials and video game rentals; increase library facility rental fees; and establish fees for non-resident, out-of- state/out-of-country online services card users.
DISCUSSION:
In 2020, the Library joined public libraries nationwide in suspending overdue fines due to pandemic restrictions in place that created barriers in returning Library materials.
Nationwide, public libraries responded by suspending overdue fines. The goodwill generated by the suspension of overdue fines has led to a transformation of the relationship between the Library and its patrons. Permanent elimination of these fines will allow Library patrons, particularly low-income individuals, families, and fixed- income seniors to return materials without fear of negative consequences.
Since the pandemic, streaming services such as Netflix have changed the way consumers access entertainment and has contributed to the decrease in circulation and revenue from physical Library media. Rental revenue has fallen from $68,812 pre-pandemic (June 2019) to an estimated $8,059 this year, a decrease of 88%. Converting the Library’s rental media collection to a free collection (with the exception of video games) will not only increase the circulation of these materials but will also make the former rental collections accessible to everyone.
Fees for out-of-state/out-of-country Online Services Card users have become the norm in the Library industry. The Library proposes to establish a $50 annual out-of-state/out-of- country usage fee for Online Services Cards, which provide access to all of the Library’s online digital resources. Implementation of this fee will offset increases in Library’s staffing and budget due to the volume of out-of-state/out-of-country cardholders.
Resolution to Approve Library Fees for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 June 18, 2024
As a part of the budget preparation process, staff has also evaluated current fees charged, which include facility and video game rentals. Costs related to these programs and services have continued to rise and as such, a 3% increase rounded up to the next dollar is being proposed to offset rising costs. A summary of the current and proposed fees for FY 2024/2025 is presented in “Exhibit A.” The proposed facility rental fees for 2024/2025 is presented in “Exhibit B.” The Library Board made a thorough review of the proposed fees and gave its support at the March 11, 2024, and April 8, 2024, Board meetings. City Council approval of these fees would allow them to take effect beginning July 1, 2024.
Staff is confident that care has been taken to adjust fees as necessary and is cognizant of the City Council’s desire to keep our fee structure as reasonable and moderate as possible for residents.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The proposed fees and charges have been included as part of the revenues projected in the proposed FY 2024/25 budget for the Community Services Department.
Respectfully submitted,
Sjany Larson-Cash
Director of Community Services
Attachment:
1. Resolution