More than 4,000 individuals who each racked up to $49.99 in fines to replace lost or damaged books and other materials for Apache Junction Public Library owe a combined $95,252 that would be forgiven under plans to be discussed Thursday by a city board.

The Apache Junction Library Board meets at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 10 in the city council chambers, 300 E. Superstition Blvd.

Forgiving the fines would have two benefits to the library — cleaning up the database and allowing people who are now turned away for nonpayment to return to the library, Library Director Pam Harrison said at a recent meeting of the Apache Junction Library Board.

Harrison checked the library’s database for individuals who have had up to $49.99 in fines for five to 10 years with expired library cards — or for 10 years and longer — and found 4,024 accounts.

She only checked those who racked up to $49.99 in fines as the library, 1177 N. Idaho Road, has a contract with a collections business that handles those of $50 and higher.

The primary responsibility of the board is to inform and advise the city council on matters of public interest and need in relation to the resources and services of the Apache Junction Public Library. Board members also recommend the policy for governing, control and improvement of the library and promote the public’s awareness of the services available at the library, according to the city’s website.