Don’t worry about paying overdue fines at Richland Library
June 12, 2019
When it comes to returning library materials on time, sometimes life gets in the way. Richland Library is cognizant of that issue among our customers, so starting June 12, 2019, we’re eliminating overdue fines on books, CDs, DVDs and other regular circulating materials that are considered part of our adult collection.
We join Charleston County Public Library as the only two public libraries in the state of South Carolina that no longer accrue overdue fines on any library materials – as well as two of the few public libraries in the Southeast.
While staff still encourage customers to renew or return items on the specified due dates, as they normally would, we’re removing one of the barriers that may prevent members of the community from coming through our doors.
“This policy change is focused on access and equity,” said Richland Library Chief Program and Innovation Officer Tony Tallent. “By going fine free, we hope to encourage prior customers to come back to the library and attract new customers to experience what we have to offer – without worrying about overdue fines.”
Almost 70,000 customers benefit from having their overdue fines erased, and more than 23,000 customers, whose accounts were previously blocked due to overdue fines, are now reinstated.
This decision follows similar measures that Richland Library initiated to remove overdue fines on children’s materials in 2015 and teen materials in 2016.
For questions, please contact Emily Stoll at 803-587-3637 or email [email protected].
About Richland Library
Awarded the National Medal in 2017 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a variety of literary and cultural programs and 12 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library provides a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.
