Oconee Public Library ends fines on certain children’s materials

The Oconee County Public Library will no longer charge overdue fines on certain children’s materials. Children’s (E) and Juvenile (J) books, VOX books, and audiobooks and board books will no longer accrue late fees. DVDs and Launchpad tablets are not included. Young Adult (Y) books are also not included. Any fines accrued before Friday, May 31, will still be owed, but after this, those children’s materials will no longer accrue fines. Fees will still be assessed for any lost or damaged items. The Library Board of Trustees made this adjustment to the library’s policy to improve free and equal access for all to library materials. “It is vitally important today that kids read, and the library doesn’t want fines being a barrier to kids having access to books. Obviously, the library would still like to get those materials back on time. But the first priority is getting books get into kids’ hands,” stated Library Director Blair Hinson. Many other library systems across the country have reduced or scaled back fines. “The people who need us the most are often the ones who are least able to pay a fine,” stated Hinson.