The Austin Public Library system in the past five years has loaned out $1.1 million worth of books and other items that have not been returned.
A review by the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE-TV found that library users owe more than $860,000 in late fees for books borrowed between 2008 and 2012.
Library officials say most of the losses are related to users keeping or losing items like books, movies, CDs and sometimes pricey art books. But in some instances authorities believe the books, especially those with a higher price tag, were sold at secondhand stores.
Austin library rules say people with under $10 in late fees can borrow an unlimited number of books. Beginning March 1, borrowers may take only 50 items at a time.
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Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.