Public libraries in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties are instituting new fees this week to help with cutbacks in state funding.

The new fines and fees went into effect June 17, and any items currently checked out that are overdue will be subject to the new rates. This will be the first increase in more than eight years. Overdue fines on videos will remain $1 per day, but the maximum fine will increase to $10 per video. All other materials (books, magazines, audiobooks, etc.) will have overdue fines of 25 cents per day, with a maximum of $5 per item.

The fee for placing a reserve on a book that is checked out or for requesting a book from another library within the Fontana region will be 50 cents per item. The fee for requesting a book from outside the Fontana Regional Library system will increase to $5 per item.

The fee for making copies and printing from computers will be 25 cents per page. This fee covers the cost of supplies, purchase and maintenance of the equipment, and staff assistance.

The fee for borrowing such equipment as slide projectors, screens, overhead projectors, laptop computers and LCD projectors will be $5 per item.

Resident of Jackson, Macon and Swain counties support their public library through payment of $21 in annual taxes. Nonresidents can obtain a library card at any Fontana Regional Library for $25.

The libraries will ask for a donation of $3 per hour for the use of the adult computers and express stations will be $1 for 20 minutes.

Another suggested donation will be $20 for the use of the library meeting room.

In order to keep the audiobook collection growing, the library will ask for $1 donation per audiobook.

For more information or questions, contact your local library manager, or Gail Findlay, regional director, at 488.2382, ext. 27.