Jasper-Dubois County Public Libraries are now fine-free libraries.
According to a post made on the Jasper Public Library Facebook page, fines are now a thing of the past.
This is a way to make the library more accessible to everyone. Based on a study the Library conducted 68% of outstanding charges on library cards were for overdue fines and not lost/damaged items. By removing overdue fines, it allows these library cards to be renewed and used again.
According to the library, fines can be a barrier to the access of information, services, and opportunities that enhance the quality of life and eliminating that barrier opens doors for the community to utilize the resources the library offers.
All Jasper-Dubois County Public Library material will no longer have overdue fines. Materials that are obtained through Inter-library Loan are borrowed from other libraries and therefore are still subject to fines.
This does not mean the responsibility of returning books and other items from the library goes away though. 35 days after the final due date, materials that are not returned will be considered lost and patrons will be billed the replacement cost. At any time, patrons may return materials to have all associated fees canceled. Borrowing privileges for library cards with a balance of $10 or more will be restored when materials are returned or balance is paid in full.
For more information on this topic, head to the Jasper-Dubois County Public Library website.
