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Rhode Island Mayor Opposes Library LegislationWoonsocket, Rhode Island, Mayor Susan D. Menard has asked state Rep. Roger Picard (D-Woonsocket) to withdraw a bill that would allow the city to prosecute in municipal court library patrons who don’t return materials.Menard claims that the action would overload the municipal court and the police overtime it would require would far exceed the cost of the lost materials. “Our police belong on the streets and not chasing library books. They have more important things to do,” Menard said in the May 26 Woonsocket Call. Although the city already can prosecute theft of library materials in district court, Woonsocket Harris Public Library Director Leslie Page said that schedule is already “very clogged.” Page pointed out the library loses about $4,000 a year in materials and needs a stronger way to recover losses. “Library materials are bought with taxpayer money,” she said. “Getting them back benefits everyone.” “We’re not going to flood the municipal court with cases. It’s not going to happen,” said library trustee John Pellizzari, who is also an attorney and associate municipal court judge. He believes prosecuting just a few serious offenders would have a significant deterrent effect—much more than in district court, where such cases have low priority. The measure is scheduled for a vote by the Rhode Island House June 2. Posted May 28, 2004. |
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