Inuvik (Dec 03/04) - It happened after the new computer operating system was installed at Centennial Library -- the same system that all NWT libraries would soon be running on.

"For patrons with fines, a message would come up, but the system could not actually convert the amounts owing," said head librarian Bev Garven, explaining the software glitch.

Centennial Library's chief bookworm Bev Garven stands behind a stack of books, roughly equivalent to the amount of books that go missing each year. "If they were hardbacks like most of these, we'd be looking at more than $5,000 to replace them," she said. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

With more than $30,000 in outstanding fines, Garven decided to do a printout and re-enter them into the system one at a time.

"That was 196 pages worth," remarked Garven of the daunting amount of paperwork she was looking at.

Though a general amnesty was considered, the fact that the library depends on fines to subsidize its purchase of new materials scuttled that idea. However, those with expired library cards have had their records -- fines and all -- erased. Garven says the chances of actually collecting on the $10,000 worth of erased fines was slim, as most expired cards belong to people who have long since left Inuvik.

"But we'll keep a binder just in case," she added.

Currently, Inuvik and Yellowknife are the only regions whose libraries collect fines. In Inuvik fines are 25 cents per book per day and $1 for videos to a maximum of $10 per item.

Those with fines -- your Drum editor included -- may be happy to know that from Nov. 29 to Dec. 10, the library is holding a Food-For-Fines drive to collect edibles for the Inuvik Food Bank.

"It looks like you owe us $23," Garven said, looking through her binder of fines. "That's about two cases of Kraft Dinner, but I'd be willing to negotiate."

Library fines don't go on anyone's permanent record, Garven stressed. Aside from computer glitches, Garven says the new system will allow access to all libraries in the NWT, including college libraries and the Legislative Assembly Library in Yellowknife. "And eventually you will be able to reserve books from any library online," added Garven, which is good news for the average 3,500 Inuvik library patrons each month.

It is important, however, that people own up to their tardy book-returning practices and pay their fines, as the money is used to buy new materials that keep the facility current.

Each week the library collects approximately $200 worth of fines and over the course of a year that accumulated amount matches the library's $10,000 new material budget.