Three Libraries and Overdues Law

Abstract

The author examines three North Carolina public libraries-Cumberland County, Dare County, and Catawba County- and their experiences with the legal side of overdues. Cumberland County's procedure of taking delinquent patrons to court is outlined, and a particular case is examined. Dare County's local County Attorney had a special law enacted for that county by the 1983 General Assembly; the implications for the library's procedures are noted. Attention is given to the enacting by Catawba County's Cornmissioners of a local ordinance governing overdue library materials.