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Roachdale Public Library becomes ‘fine free’
ROACHDALE — As of Thursday, users of the Roachdale-Franklin Township Public library no longer have to worry about late fees.
On Monday, the Roachdale Public Library Board of Trustees voted to become a “fine free” library beginning on Dec. 1.
“Our library board understands that providing public access to materials, faxing, computer and wi-fi services is a necessity to our community,” board President Stephen Edwards said. “Our community is stronger when all members have access to the programs, services and materials offered by the library to pursue their educational, career, life and family goals.”
“We hope this new fine-free policy encourages prior users to return to the library and attract new users to experience our offerings,” Director Jennifer Stranger said. “Going fine-free allows our staff to spend less time trying to collect fees and more time serving you.”
Library studies have shown that fining patrons is ineffective in promoting prompt return of overdue items. In many cases, patrons will avoid the library rather than pay the fines. Temporarily suspending borrowing privileges is just as effective without the financial impact on the patrons. It has also been found that since balances so often go unpaid, the financial impact to the library’s budget is minimal. Late fee income accounts for less than one percent of income at the Roachdale Public Library.
The library’s fine-free policy no longer charges a daily overdue fee from materials. As in the past, library books will automatically renew when available. Fines will still be applied to lost or damaged items from the library.
Moving forward, only materials that are damaged or not returned within 28 days will be charged to library patrons, but when that item is returned the fee will be removed.
Anyone with overdue fines from other libraries in the Evergreen Indiana consortium is still responsible for paying these.
As of Dec. 1, the board of trustees has also removed outstanding overdue fees. Patrons are encouraged to go ahead and check their accounts. Having trouble accessing your account? Call 522-1491 or e-mail roachdalepubliclibrary@gmail.com. The staff can check to see the status of an account and update information.
Past replacement fees for lost or damaged items still apply on materials from Roachdale Public Library, or the bill may be from another library. In many cases, if the item was from the local library and lost or damaged, part of the fine shown may be waived when a patron pays to replace the item.
The public is invited to visit the Roachdale Public Library at 100 E. Washington St. The annual open house during Christmas in Roachdale will take place on the evening of Friday, Dec. 9.
You can find more information at roachdale.lib.in.us or on Facebook: Roachdale Public Library.