Ten people managed to rack up thousands of dollars of debt due to overdue San Jose Public Library books, while at least 130 people are eligible to face fines of at least $1,000, according to a report from the San Jose Mercury News.
The newspapers investigation revealed that at least three people owe more than $10,000 for overdue or lost books, while seven face fines totaling more than $10,000.
City Council member Pierluigi Oliverio, who acts as a liaison between the city and library, recommended amnesty programs that would forgive fines. The councilman also suggested to the newspaper that the problem was allowing residents to check out 100 items at a time, far more than other cities allow.
San Jose Library Director Jill Bourne said the 100-item limit has been in place before she started working at the library, but conceded that she is willing to consider changes.
