Brooklyn Public Library Brought In $1.9 Million in Overdue Fines in 2012, E-Books 1.7% of Total Circulation

From the NY Daily News:

The Brooklyn Public Library hauled in a whopping $1.9 million in fines last year — but it’s just a petty cash for a system needing $250 million in restoration work.
The fines represent a 20% jump from the $1.5 million hauled in 2008 — and include a big boost from an online payment option unveiled in 2009, but not widely used until this year, the records show.

E-Books at BPL During 2012

“E-books have been a great addition to the library’s collection, and the fact that they don’t incur fines is great for patrons yet doesn’t pose a serious threat to the library’s budget,” said chief librarian Richard Reyes-Gavilan.
The majority of readers still takes out old-fashioned books, with e-books just 1.7% of the total circulation of 19,254,167 books, DVDs and magazines.

Read the Complete Article
See Also: Some 2012 Stats About Fines at the Toronto Public Library (April 30, 2012)

Filed under: Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Public Libraries