Is that overdue library book still sitting on your table, waiting to be returned? Did you accidentally pack a video in with your Christmas ornaments last year? Was that book you swore you returned hiding under your car seat for months?

The library wants items returned, no questions asked. To help spur returns, January is an Amnesty Month, in which any item due before December 31, 2007 will have the fine waived, whether it’s overdue one day or six months.

There are many reasons items are not returned, but the following are three of the most common:

It's just a book, what's the big deal?
There are currently 42 people on the overdue list, with materials totaling almost $1,000 – an average of $24 per person. That doesn’t include those with materials so overdue the library has marked them lost. Trying to replace missing items means there’s less money to purchase new materials, plus other patrons may be waiting on items that haven’t been returned.

I can't afford to pay a huge fine!
Some don't return overdue items because they fear a huge fine, but fines on books stop at just $3 each. Video fines stop at the cost of the item, which is generally not more than $20 each. We're much more concerned with getting things back than assessing a fine, even though fines do help us buy new materials, so if you still have items out, no matter how long it's been, please take advantage of Amnesty Month and you won't have to pay any fines as long as the item is returned in good condition.

I'm embarrassed to take something back that was due a year ago.
We know embarrassment can play a factor in not returning items. You don't have to come into the library to return items, though in general we do prefer that during operating hours. We have a drop in the wall to the left of our door for books and magazines, and a metal drop box to the right of the door for any audio/video materials. The drops are available 24/7, but if you're unable to get to the library, you may also mail items back to PO Box 984, Whitewright TX 75491. No matter how you return your item, if it was due before December 31, 2007, your fines will be dropped.

Replacement fees for damaged materials will not be waived. Amnesty does not apply to fines on materials already returned but were overdue at the time of return and not paid for. If deemed necessary, the library can file charges for theft of City property, but our goal is to get items returned without fines or legal action.

There are night drops available at the library, but if you are unable to return your item in person, you may also send them back via mail to PO Box 984, Whitewright TX 75491. You can also call the library at 903-364-2955 or email librarian@whitewight.lib.tx.us if you have any questions about overdue items.