LEWISTON – Nonresident book borrowers could pay a higher fee at the Lewiston library, according to the Board of Trustees.

Library Director Rick Speer is recommending increasing the fee people who live outside Lewiston and Auburn pay to take out Lewiston’s books to $50. Nonresidents currently pay $40 per year for a Lewiston library card.

The Twin Cities’ libraries have an agreement allowing residents of either city to get a card from the other library.

Nonresident library members tend to work or shop in downtown Lewiston, according to Speer. They tend to be heavier readers who use the library more than the average resident.

He estimates $39.11 out each property tax bill goes to support the library annually.

“This figure only takes into account our operational budget,” Speer said. “It would be even higher if we were to factor in the capital investments made to the facility over the last several years.”

Non-Twin Cities residents currently pay $70 per year for the right to take books out of the Auburn Public Library.