OVERDUE FINES ELIMINATED AT JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY More Access to Library Materials, Reduced Stress for Customers
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov 26, 2021 — Stressed about trying to get those books back to the Library when you've got six other errands to do before you pick the kids up? Or maybe you haven't been to the Library in a while after some overdue fines pushed your account past the locking amount.
Recognizing that access to Library materials is of critical importance, the Board of Library Trustees unanimously agreed to eliminate overdue library fines at Jacksonville Public Library July 1, 2021. This followed Mayor Curry and Jacksonville City Council's suspension of overdue library fines during the early months of the pandemic as part of Ordinance 2020-235 which defined how the city would distribute federal CARES funds.
"Things have been stressful enough for people during these past two years," said Carlo Fassi, chair of the Board of Library Trustees. "We see how people turn to the Library to learn new skills, start businesses, or just escape into a great story. Anything that increases fair and equitable access to the Library is a good thing for Duval County."
"Borrowed materials still have due dates, and we want you to return your materials on time so your neighbors can also enjoy them," said Region Manager for the West Region, Lynne Baldwin. "The elimination of overdue fines just gives you that little cushion when things don't go as planned."
Remember that lost or damaged items still incur replacement fees as identified in the Library's Circulation Policy.
Customers are encouraged to return any long-overdue materials to any Jacksonville Public Library location free of the worry of overdue fines.
For more details, visit https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/news/jax-public-library-goes-overdue-fine-free.
