Arapahoe Libraries To Charge Limit Fee For Non-Residents

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - A library card will cost some people in Arapahoe County $100. That is if they don't want a limit on the number of items they check out.

A lot of viewers have emailed CBS4 about the charge. Library patrons can still check out three items at a time. But those who don't live in the Arapahoe Library District and pay into their taxes don't get full access, which is up to 60 items per check out.

Library patrons who want the 60-item check out option have to pay $100. The new limits will primarily affect people who live in Aurora. They use Arapahoe libraries because their library system has been significantly downsized.

"We are sad that we are going to be affected by it, but I understand why they are doing it," Aurora resident Carolyn Fox said.

"There is no such thing as a free public library, it has to be funded and supported," Nicolle Davies with the Arapahoe Library District said.

In 2009 Aurora voters had the option to support their libraries but it failed. As a result, they closed four of their seven libraries and the overflow of patrons starting coming to the Arapahoe Library District.

"We were getting pressure from our own taxpayers to protect the resources that they are paying for," Davies said.

"I feel like we definitely get a lot more than $100," resident Michelle Howell said. "If our tax dollars weren't going to it, I'd definitely pay $100 per year."

"I probably won't because that's quite a bit," Aurora resident Clarissa Royston said.

"We'll probably go to Denver libraries," Fox said.

Those who rent and live in the Arapahoe Library District are not affected by the new fee because the landlord pays taxes to the library.

It's not the first time a Colorado library district has imposed similar fees. It's also happened a few years back in Douglas County when Elbert County residents were using their libraries. Elbert County eventually got their own library system as a result.

This change goes into effect Jan. 3.

The Arapahoe Library District found $100 is the average annual library property tax per household and used that number for their fee.