PATRON SERVICE CHANGES TO TAKE EFFECT JANUARY 1, 2027
Print and copies B&W $.25 > Separate out for documents and images.
Documents remain the same ($.25) images go up to $.50 per page
Prints and copies color $.50> Separate out for documents and images.
Documents remain the same ($.50) images go up to $1.00 per page
Explanation: In 2027 the library will change how we break these services out and differentiate them by what is being printed. Articles including images (taking up less than a quarter of the page) would continue to be considered documents, but screenshots (including those of messages or text) and pages which are primarily composed of images would cost more as they require more toner and ink. This would increase the income from these services equitably. Currently, the library does not offer Tabloid (11”X17”) size prints. Beginning in 2027 the library will offer Tabloid prints as a special service, but each page of Tabloid paper will be charged as 2 copies, because the page is twice the size as a letter page of paper. The paper is larger, more expensive and uses more ink and toner. Legal paper is currently no extra cost and will remain the same price per page as letter paper. Despite being slightly larger, it is only meant to be used for printing legal documents and could cause undue hardship for those attempting to manage legal matters themselves due to financial limitations, if the library were to increase this cost.
Faxes $.50 per page > $.75
Explanation: Faxes take longer and require a printed confirmation at the end. These interactions can take several minutes per page and slow down our ability to help additional patrons. This would help to offset the cost of the service more so than the cost of the consumables it uses. We can also offer patrons the options of scanning the item to the recipient if cost is the main concern, and if an email is available.
Scans $.25 per page > cost unchanged per page, for a limit of 2 recipients. Additional recipients will be an extra $.25 per page.
Explanation: This service is faster than fax and requires no printing cost on our end. This means the cost is stable and therefore the cost we pass to the patrons will remain stableThe only notable change to this service is that the first two recipients are at no additional charge, but each recipient above the first two is an additional $.25 per page. We have to manually enter the email addresses to send these documents. This would allow patrons 1 recipient in addition to themselves (as a form of confirmation) at no additional cost. The patron could then forward the email to any additional parties as needed at no cost, themselves.
Lamination $.25 > $ 1.00
Explanation: The cost of the lamination sleeves has increased and this service takes a considerable amount of time. The machine needs to get warmed up, and then each sheet needs to be fed through it individually and correctly, or it will ruin the machine. We cannot outsource the act of operating the machine to the patron without the risk of breaking the machine. This increase will fully cover the cost of the materials needed for the service. Lamination, like faxing, is a time-consuming service. We will continue to offer it, but the cost needs to increase to offset the expense it creates to the library.
Stamps $.82 > Will increase with the price set by the USPS
Explanation: The current cost of stamps at the library is $.82 each as above. The USPS regularly manages the price of stamps to keep in line with the cost of the service those stamps represent. When the price we pay at the post office to purchase stamps increases, the cost of our stamps will increase to match it. We only keep forever stamps on hand, patrons may purchase them at the library for the same price they would pay at the post office.
Community Room and other room Fees are not changing but will be strictly enforced.
Explanation: Currently the Community Room is bookable at any time that does not already have a booking, 24 hours a day. This space is available for a cost of $30/ hour for private and for-profit events. The library offers free use of the space on a first come first serve basis for 501c3 non-profit organizations and for free, open-to-the-public events for any local organizer. Any party may be assessed a $50 cleaning fee at the discretion of the director or assistant director if the space is left in a messy or disorganized state.
Other smaller, short-term, rentable spaces are available only while the library is open, such as the Quiet Room and the Conference Room. These rooms are meant to further the quiet enjoyment of the library by all patrons. These spaces were never intended to be free spaces for professionals to meet with clients and profit off the use of the space. While the library will continue to allow such professionals to use and reserve the spaces for business purposes, these parties will be charged $15/ hour for the use of the space. Renting either of these spaces does not entitle the renting parties to expand into the adjacent hallway as this is a safety hazard. The hallway is for travel between the rooms and offices in the annex, not for reservation or recreational use. These rooms, when not previously reserved, may be used for free by patrons to: study, conduct interviews, hold family visits, and to generally enjoy a quiet space to focus in the library. Staff my offer the space as a courtesy to patrons, at no cost at any time the space is not already reserved, as long as the space will not be used to otherwise generate income.
The Classroom is available only as a special arrangement with assistance from the director or assistant director. In the event the space is rented out at all, it will be charged at the same rate and reasoning as the Community Room.
Thumb Drive $5 > $6
Earbuds $1 > $2
Explanation: The cost continues to increase for the library to purchase these items. Neither is incredibly popular but both are fair prices for both patrons and the library given the growing cost.
Folders $1 (new item, no change)
Explanation: $1 is more than fair for this item, the library typically keeps them on hand for a variety of uses in-house. Selling folders at this price allows the library to replenish that stock as they sell without a strain on our budget. Most people who have asked have offered to pay the $1 they just want to keep their pages nice. By adding folders, we are able to serve patrons needs without operating at a loss on this item.
Mailing Envelopes $.25 (new item, no change)
Explanation: Similarly to the folders, these are frequently kept on hand and are asked for occasionally. As we sell stamps and often print things like receipts and bills for patrons, it makes sense that we would also offer to sell envelopes all in one place. Most people who have asked have offered to pay for the envelope but without a set price it was difficult to stay consistent. By adding this item, we are able to serve patrons needs without operating at a loss on this item.
CONCLUSION:
Beginning January 1st 2027, the above service cost changes will take effect. These changes will help to offset the cost of these services to the library while impacting patrons equitably based both on use and need. As the cost of these services to the library increase, we are having to pass some of that along to patrons while also working to serve our community in a way which is affordable for all. If you have questions about these changes, or any other changes in progress at the library, please call 607 776 4613 and ask to speak with the director.