Two branches reducing hours; increased fines at RPL

From press release

The Board of Trustees of Rockford Public Library voted Nov. 2 that reduced hours at two library branches will take effect Nov. 15, and increased fines for books, magazines and DVDs will take effect Jan. 1. Both decisions are part of an overall plan to address what RPL estimates is a $1.7 million budget shortfall in 2010.

Starting Nov. 15, the Rock River Branch, at 3128 11th St., will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The East Branch, at 6685 E. State St., will reduce Sunday hours from 11 a.m.-7 .m. to 1-5 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day. A hiring freeze has created staffing shortages, and the reduction of hours will help address operational issues at both locations.

Further reductions of hours at other Rockford Public Library locations are expected.

The board also voted to increase fines on the late return of materials. Book and magazine fines will increase from 10 cents per day to 15 cents per day, and DVDs and other AV materials will increase from 50 cents per day to $1 per day. The increase in fines will be effective Jan. 1, 2010.

The board is expected to make a decision on budget cuts for 2010 at a special meeting Nov. 16.