FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 MEDIA CONTACT: Heather O'Connell, Community Relations Coordinator, (239) 461-2914, hoconnell@leegov.com

New Library Card Now available at all Lee county library system locations

FORT MYERS, Fla., April 19, 2004 -Library patrons can now carry their library cards right on their key chains as well as in their wallets.

If you still don't have a Lee County Library Card, now's the time to get one. The library system unveiled a new design this morning, featuring a beach scene and a new key fob size.  Now when patrons get a new library card, they will receive a small library card to attach to a key chain, as well as a traditional credit card sized library card to carry in a wallet or purse.

Community Relations Coordinator Heather O'Connell says it's perfect for patrons on the go. "Both library cards work with the self-check machines at libraries, so patrons can walk in carrying just their keys, select their items and check them out.  Plus, with so many of our services available on line and over the phone, it makes sense to keep your card on hand."

Cynthia Cobb, Library System Director and Terri Crawford, Deputy Director, took part in the new library card unveiling (Library Card Unveiling Photo (jpg)) this morning at the Fort Myers - Lee County Public Library. Bill Hammond, Deputy County Manager and Pete Winton, Assistant to the County Manager were also on hand and were among the first to replace their old library cards with the new design.

Although the older design cards will still work at all libraries and on the Bookmobile, patrons may choose to upgrade to the new card, but they will have to pay a $1 replacement fee.

"With the old library card design, so many people lost their cards that we had to implement a $1 replacement fee- now with the new key fob design, we expect to greatly reduce the number of replacement cards we issue" said O'Connell.

The old library cards have been used in Lee County Libraries since 1998 and are still valid for all patrons.

Library cards are free for patrons who do not currently have them.

Media inquiries, please contact Heather O'Connell at the e-mail or phone number below.

Heather O'Connell
Community Relations Coordinator
Lee County Library System
hoconnell@leegov.com
Phone: (239) 461-2924

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