Liverpool Public Library

LOADING ..
Expand Menu

Please Return your Books, Now with No Late Fines

3 years ago

Starting July 1, most late fees for materials you've borrowed from the Liverpool Public Library have been waived.

We still want you to bring them back in a timely manner, mind you, because the sooner they get in the return bins, the sooner they get back on our shelves for the use by others in the community.

IMG 6364Please bring library materials back when they're due.

Folks in Liverpool got to read my column about the matter in the July 7 edition of the weekly Star Review newspaper.

If you missed it, here's the column:

By MARK BIALCZAK
LPL Communications Specialist

The Liverpool Public Library Board of Trustees has decided that it’s most important for community members to know that they’re encouraged to use the library’s materials and resources. They voted in the May meeting to waive late fees for all patrons regardless of age starting July 1.

Discussion was robust. Before it came down to the unanimous vote in favor of the motion, they decided that access without fear of the fines could bring previous users back to the LPL and attract new patrons as well. Fees have been waived since the onset of COVID-19.

According to the statement on LPL.org, “In providing the Liverpool community with access to programs, services, and materials they need, we are assisting them with their educational, career, family and life goals.”

Lost or damaged book fees remain, as do late fees on materials from the Library of Things.

The waiver of late fees is not an invitation to keep books or other materials as long as you want. Overdue notices will still be sent through the system. The sooner materials come back, the sooner they go back in the collections for others to borrow. A timely return in the library or a book drop is an act of kindness to your neighbor.

Also, anybody who wishes to donate to the LPL in lieu of late fees will find collection spots in the library, can send monetary donations to the library or can donate to the Liverpool Public Library Fund through the Central NY Community Foundation, Inc. Learn more about this at lpl.org/about-lpl/support/monetary-donations/.

More information about the new policy can be found at lpl.org/about-lpl/about-us/lpl-is-fine-free/.