Auburn Public Library will eliminate overdue fines

The Auburn Public Library in Auburn, Ala., is planning to eliminate overdue fines beginning Oct. 1.

According to a report by Auburn Director of Public Affairs David Dorton on the city website, https://www.auburnalabama.org, the decision was made by the Auburn Public Library Board at a meeting in August.

The report says the board wishes to make the library accessible to as many people as possible and that approximately 15 precent of registered patrons can no longer use the library because of the fines and fees on their accounts. Some can’t afford to pay them.

By eliminating overdue fines, the library board hopes to see more people using the library.

People with overdue items will not be allowed to borrow any additional items. Once an item is 30 days overdue, the patron will be billed for the replacement cost of the item. However, if the patron returns the item, any replacement charges will be waived.

The report says the library plans to send out more frequent reminders and notices so that patrons are aware of what items they have borrowed and when those items are due.

This story was originally published September 3, 2017 at 3:01 PM with the headline "Auburn Public Library will eliminate overdue fines."