Books News

Dallas Library adopts new policy with no fines for late returns

Dallas Public Library in downtown.

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No more late fees at the library. The Dallas City Council voted on May 22 to eliminate the long-standing practice of issuing a fine when an item is returned late. Fees for replacing lost library cards and looking up account numbers were also eliminated.

Jo Giudice, director of libraries sought the change to bring back customers who have not been able to access library services because of excessive fines. “The library’s mission is to provide access for all,” said Giudice. “Late fines create barriers by punishing people who are unable to pay them. Eliminating fines is a step towards equity.”

Beginning immediately, late fines will no longer be assessed. The library is working with its vendor to zero-out existing balances, a process likely to take several weeks. In the meantime, card holders visiting the library can request to have their accounts cleared of fines for returned materials.

“I know there are people out there holding on to material because they know it’s long overdue,” said Giudice. “We want the customers and the books to come back. All is forgiven.”

Under the fine-free rules, when an item is a week overdue, the account will be blocked from further checkouts until the overdue items are returned. The replacement cost of the book plus a processing fee will be charged to the account. These charges will be waived as soon as the book is returned.

For customers who have lost items on their accounts and cannot pay the replacement cost, special events twice a year will give them an opportunity to “work off” the fees by volunteering or participating in other community activities.

Dallas is joining a movement among libraries nationwide to eliminate charging fines, including Denver Public Library, San Diego Public Library and Salt Lake City Public Library. Library systems in nearby cities, including Irving and Plano, also have no-fine policies.

A library card is free for any Dallas resident. For information on the many free programs and services available at Dallas Public Library, visit www.dallaslibrary.org

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RIP Pete

Dallas businessman and former Schepps Dairy owner Pete Schenkel dies

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Pete Schenkel

Dallas businessman Pete Schenkel, a philanthropist and former owner of Dallas-based Schepps Dairy, passed away at his Highland Park home on November 27 while in hospice care.

Born and raised in South Dallas where he worked on his father's dairy farm, Schenkel worked his way up from a Schepps Dairy deliverer to become an owner of the company in 1987. He went on to serve as President and owner of Southern Foods, which later sold to Suiza Foods and became Dean Foods, for which he also served as president and board member.

A statement from the city of Dallas says that Schenkel "leaves a legacy where he will be remembered for sharing his success with others and for his steadfast commitment to serve with pride and humility. Pete was unwavering in his dedication to making Dallas one of the safest large cities in the United States and was instrumental in promoting our economic growth and social vibrancy. We will strive to carry on his legacy by continuing to make Dallas a better place for all."

Founded by Harmon "Hymie" Schepps in 1942, Schepps Dairy traded hands and emerged from a bankruptcy under the primary ownership of Schenkel, who was Schepps' business partner. In 2000, the company was acquired by Suiza Foods Co., which then merged with Dallas-based Dean Foods the following year.

Schenkel was also involved in Dallas politics from the '80s to the '00s, both with sought-after endorsements as well as working on campaigns for mayoral candidates such as Jack Evans and Ron Natinsky.

In 2017, he was honored with an award from the NFF Gridiron Club for his role in helping bring football back to the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. He fought to keep the annual Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game at Cotton Bowl Stadium and has been the key negotiator in keeping the game there ever since.

Schenkel served on many influential boards that helped shape Dallas and North Texas, including chairing the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors and the Methodist Health Care Foundation. After retiringm he remained active in nonprofit circles, helping direct a charitable fund with his wife, the Pat and Pete Schenkel Charitable Trust. He also served on the board of the Dallas Blue Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of Dallas police officers killed or wounded in action.

His multiple awards and commendations including receiving the 82nd annual Linz Award for civic service in Dallas in 2011, as well as a Russell H. Perry Award from Dallas Baptist University, which lauded Schenkel for adhering to the highest ethical standards and being loyal to and respectful of friends and customers, as well as his modesty, shying away from the spotlight and shining it on others instead.

He's survived by his wife Pat, three children and seven grandchildren.

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