Saugus Library looks to move past Duffy scandal

SAUGUS – The Saugus Library will finally be able to start looking ahead now that Linda Duffy, the former worker accused of stealing more than $800,000, pleaded guilty last week, said Library Trustee Chairman Paul Allan.?I want that to come to an end so we can finally stop looking behind us,” said Allan after Thursday night?s trustees meeting. “The sentencing in January will finalize it. Now we can show the community that the library is reaching out to them.”Allan said he sees a “boost” in everything at the library with more people coming to use its different services.?You see everyday all the kids using everything,” said Allan. “There are so many options and that?s what we want to do is have more options.”During the meeting, the board went over circulation numbers with Director Diane Wallace, which Allan said he was very impressed with.The library has checked out more than 25,000 items since July, with 8,400 in July, 9,400 in August and 7,500 in September. Circulation is up about 4,000 from the same three months last year.?We?re getting a lot of use out of this library and people are coming,” said Allan.Fines have also increased sharply since the library increased them over the summer.Since Aug. 31, fines have totaled more than $200 every week, compared to a range of $19 to $70 for weeks prior to the increase.Fines are now $2 a day with a max of $10 for videos while books are 20 cents a day.?They?re starting to notice,” said Wallace. “Some aren?t too happy but most are OK. People really weren?t bothered by the $1 max.”In other business, Friends of Saugus Library member Wayne Brooks said the non-profit group is up and running, but having trouble incorporating as a 501C3, which Brooks said costs as much as $1,000 to do.?I?m still looking for a CPA,” Brooks told the board. “That?s a pretty fair chunk of change for just starting out. I?m sure someone in this town will want to help us out. I?m still looking for someone with a big heart.”Wallace, however, told Brooks she just received a $700 donation for the group on Thursday from two women from the Saugus High School Class of 1965.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].