Beginning Wednesday, December 1st, 2021, the Flora Public Library will no longer charge patrons fines for overdue books, periodicals, DVDs, audiobooks, MP3 audiobooks, and other library items. The library’s Board of Trustees and staff have decided to join many other Illinois libraries, and change the policy on how we handle overdue materials. The board and staff are doing this to ensure that more people can take advantage of using the library and its services. It was decided that overdue fines are a deterrent that keeps people from using the library because of their inability to pay. The library will be implementing this new policy not only on future fines but on fines charged in the past. Any past charges for fines will be erased from each patron’s record. This policy of waiving fees does not apply to replacement charges on lost or damaged items or fees for damaged items. All other fees will remain the same. The only exception is the waiving of past charges incurred by patrons who were juveniles at the time the items were lost or damaged, and are now adults. This is part of the implementation of going fine-free!
The library is changing its circulation policy to ensure that items are returned in a timely manner without the fear of fines accruing. Once items become more than 14 days overdue the patron’s account will be blocked and all library privileges will be suspended. When the overdue items are returned or paid for, the patron’s library privileges will be reinstated.
Flora Public Library is working to become more user-friendly and also redefine its role in the community. A library logo has been designed and a new website is currently in development. These and more changes are included in the Flora Public Library Strategic Plan, 2021-2026 which is nearing completion. Thank you for your support and patronage of the library. Watch the newspapers and Facebook for new exciting updates!
