Geauga County Public Library to go Fine-Free in 2020

Beginning January 1, 2020, GCPL will be a fine- free library for all materials except telescopes and new video games and DVD/Blu-rays.

Keep in mind, we do want you to return your items, but we’re not going to punish you if they are a little overdue. If items reach the due date and are not returned on time, in 21 days the items is reported lost, the cost of the book is applied to the record and the customer card is blocked, not allowing them to check out anything else until that item is returned.

GCPL Administration hopes that by joining the many Clevnet libraries and other libraries nationwide who have already gone fine-free or are planning to go fine-free will reduce barriers to service and move towards a connection with the community that does not involve negative association with fines.

Director Ed Worso elaborates on this when he says, “Public libraries serve their communities by providing free access to information, services, resources, and space. Fines can create unintended barriers to the library and can deter borrowing completely for some families.

Many of our staff have had conversations with patrons, friends, or neighbors regarding their fines. Many have heard a parent mention that they haven’t been to the library in years because a child ran up fines and they just stopped using our services. This has always been an unfortunate consequence of fines.”

About the Geauga County Public Library

The Geauga County Public Library includes four full-service Branches in Bainbridge, Chardon, Chesterland (Geauga West) and Middlefield, two library stations housed in schools in Newbury and Thompson, and a Mobile Services fleet that serves rural areas and community centers. Its Administrative Center is located in Chardon, where technical services, computer services, facilities and administrative functions reside, along with a full- service public library space with limited hours of service (Monday – Friday only). GCPL houses more than 750,000 books and digital books. The collection also contains nearly 70,000 audio / video items. About 75 research databases are available via its website. GCPL is a member of the Clevnet consortium, giving patrons access to more than 12 million items. Learn more about the Geauga County Public Library at http://GeaugaLibrary.net

Pictured In Cover Photo: GCPL to go fine free on all items except video games, telescopes, and new DVD/Blu-rays in 2020.

Geauga News
Author: Geauga News