New Library-Mail Rates
Take Effect January 7
New rates for selected classes of U.S. mail will go into effect January 7. The single-piece rate for a one-pound package of library mail has jumped 10%, from $1.13 to $1.24. Additional pounds will cost 43 cents more up to 7 pounds at $3.82, then 29 cents more per additional pound up to the limit of 70 pounds at $22.09.
Library-mail rates will increase an average of 4.9%, but the barcoded discount for qualifying library mail remains at three cents per piece. Because of legislation passed in October 2000, rates for library mail must be set at least 5% lower than rates for standard mail.
Overall, postal rates are rising 4.6%, although price increases vary by class of mail. The cost of mailing a letter will increase from 33 to 34 cents. Each additional ounce will decrease from 22 cents to 21 cents. The cost of mailing a postcard will remain 20 cents.
Another change to note is that the optional use of “library rate” as a marking for library mail is being discontinued. Rubber stamps and other markers must be changed to “library mail” as of January 1, 2002.
A chart of the new rates is available on the U.S. Postal Service Web site.
Posted January 1, 2001.
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