The Handley Regional Library System is thrilled to announce that effective immediately overdue fines will not accrue on most children’s materials – no matter the age of the person checking out the materials. These items include books, CD audiobooks, and DVDs.
“We are excited to be following the practice of many libraries around the country and removing this potential barrier to library services to children of all demographics,” stated John Huddy, Director of Handley Regional Library System. “By doing so, we hope to improve literacy for the youth in our area and remove any barriers our patrons may have to access our materials.”
Fines can potentially be an obstacle that disproportionately impacts people without the means to pay. Removing these children’s fines (while still requiring the items to be returned) will allow more children in our community to enjoy library materials for both education, enjoyment, and entertainment.
In 2019 the American Library Association passed a resolution citing mounting evidence that eliminating fines increases library card sign-ups and library use. This resolution also recognized fines as a form of “social inequity” and urged libraries to actively “move toward eliminating them”.
Handley Regional Library System is committed to making library materials and services accessible to all in our area, especially to the youth who yearn for knowledge, literacy, and growth through reading. All are welcome to come to the library to see all the programs, services, and materials we have to offer.