Amador County adopts updated library Collection Development policy and moves to fine‑free model with 60‑day lost‑item rule

The Amador County Board of Supervisors approved two library policy changes after a presentation by County Librarian Alyssa Ramirez: an updated Collection Development and Management Policy (with a simplified statement of the library’s service populations) and a revised library fine policy that removes daily overdue fines in favor of a lost‑item threshold. Both actions were adopted by majority votes.

Ramirez, who has led the county library for about 10 months, described a strategy to refresh the physical collection, reduce barriers to library use, and expand community engagement and outreach. She recommended removing small overdue fines because the practice can deter low‑income patrons and families with young children. The board discussed accountability measures, holds and limits on new releases, automated notices and blocking rules for repeat delinquents. Ramirez said the library will continue to send notices; after a set overdue period the library will bill patrons for replacement.

Supervisors amended the staff proposal to shorten the lost‑item threshold from 90 days to 60 days. Under the adopted policy, items 60 days overdue will be treated as lost and patrons will be billed for replacement at list price; accounts with outstanding charges above a set threshold will be blocked from borrowing until resolved. The board also asked staff to evaluate the policy’s outcomes and return with a status report in about a year. Members discussed outreach options to recover long‑overdue materials and the potential for voluntary donation requests to encourage returns.

Votes: The Collection Development policy (with a simplified service-area sentence) passed unanimously. The fine policy, amended to a 60‑day lost‑item rule, passed 4-1 (Vice Chairman Crew recorded a dissenting vote). The board asked library staff to return with an evaluation of results after one year.