Our concern is that the East Lansing Public Library's strict check-out policy is too limiting to families. -Their current book loan period lasts 28 days -Overdue fines=20 cents per day -A book that is 30 days overdue is recharged to a billed item and cannot be replaced -Lost items equal a total amount of a: $5.00 processing fee, replacement costs, plus overdue fines *If there is a unresolved balance of $40.00, your information is sent to a collection agency for recovery, where they then charge interest and lower your credit ratings* We would like to propose our goals in lessening the costs to families with overdue fines. 1. No fines for kids books. If you lose the book, you pay for it (face value) without the overdue fines and processing fees. 2. The ELPL will hold "forgiveness" days. These will take place four times a year and will allow families to return their books without the fear of paying for them. 3. The collection agency will not be informed of lost books. If you have an unpaid balance, your privilege of checking out multiple books at one time will decrease. Please take the time to sign our petition and help benefit yourselves and other families in the area.