There are several options I offer in our Media Center for these instances.
1) Students can put books they would like to check out on hold for up to one week. If they bring in the overdue items or pay the fines, they can quickly pick up the books they put on hold. At my school, we don't charge for overdue books, but students cannot checkout any more books until the overdue items are returned or renewed. Offering to hold books for students shows that you trust them to bring back what they owe and the majority of the time, those overdue books will show up the next day.
2) Students can get a book or two from our Honor Book section. This is the section of books that have been donated over the years, but aren't sturdy enough to be library books. Students are on their honor to bring these books back-thus the name "Honor Books." The books are designated with a sticker on the front. Read more about our Honor Books on THIS blog post.
3) Students can adopt one book from our Adopt a Book shelf. These are books that have been weeded due to poor circulation or because the book just can't be repaired any more because it is so well loved. This book is theirs to keep. They must sign a pledge that they will take good care of the book they adopt and READ it! Read more about our Adopt-a-Book program on THIS blog post.
4) Students can read a book while waiting for their classmates to checkout, but cannot take the book with them.
And for students who are having trouble paying their fines, I offer alternatives for "working off" their fine.
1) Work off the fine during recess time on Fridays (or whatever day works for you). 15 minutes of work = $5 off the fine I only offer this option on Fridays, as I do not have classes on Fridays and am able to supervise students.
2) Read off the fine in the Media Center. Students may come into the media center during their free time to read in one of our reading areas. 15 minutes of reading = $5 off the fine The reading must be done in the Media Center so that I can document it.
3) Can the Fine- students can bring in non-expired canned goods to be donated to our local food pantry. 3 cans = $5 off the fine
Whichever option the student chooses, they must bring back a signed permission form. This way I know for sure that their parent or guardian knows of the fine. I have made the permission slips I use available on a Google Doc so that you can edit it to fit your needs. Click HERE. Note: You will be asked to Make a Copy. Once you click the Make a Copy button, you will be able to edit the notes to fit your needs.
I never want a student to hate coming to the Media Center or to hate reading, so I hope by offering these alternatives, students still feel welcome.
What options do you have for your patrons who cannot check out books due to overdue policies or fines?
