No more overdue fines!
In the final step of its plan to eliminate overdue fees, the McPherson Public Library implemented a policy on August 25 that eliminates fines on overdue adult library materials. Children and teen items were eliminated in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The library will continue charging the cost of damaged or lost items. Patrons are responsible for paying library fines which have already accrued on all materials checked out before August 26.
“We were moving toward a goal of being 100% fine free, and this is a great time to finish the job. Anything we can do to increase access to library materials — and make our patrons’ lives a little easier — is a good thing.” said Steve Read, McPherson Public Library Director.
As there will still be due dates and overdue reminders sent out, patrons will still need to plan on returning items on time. Materials often have hold requests placed on them by other residents, and the goal is to have library materials in circulation by as many readers as possible.
The library’s elimination of fines has proven to be successful and popular with children and teen patrons, as it reduces barriers to library usage and encourages patrons to check out materials without the distraction of limits or financial constraints.