The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

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Kent libraries lose £200k of books

22.08.08

Libraries in Kent have seen more than £200,000 of books, DVDs and computer games lost from their shelves in the last two years, reports Kent Online.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show that in 2006-2007, KCC wrote off nearly £97,000 of library stock. That rose last year to £106,209, although the increase included books and other items that were damaged and lost in a fire at Ramsgate library.

In 2007-08, books valued at £87,700 were written off. While losses from individual libraries are not available, an area breakdown shows that last year, Thanet saw the highest amount of stock written off at £25,545, followed by Canterbury (£10,520) and Maidstone (£9,852).In Gravesham, £6,408 of stock was lost and in Dartford, £6,905.

County library chiefs say they do what they can to limit losses, including using debt collectors to chase people who have failed to return overdue books and other items like DVDs. The council also said it would be willing to consider an amnesty if there was public support for the idea.

Kent Online

libraries Kent County Council