Beginning July 1, children’s materials including books, movies and music checked out from the Metropolitan Library System will no longer accrue fines if late.

“Fines are barriers to library access,” said Julie Ballou, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Library System. “We are committed to reducing barriers and supporting equitable access to literacy in our community.”

As of July 1, any existing fines on children’s materials will also be waived.

“Children’s fines are an obstacle that disproportionately impacts families without the means to pay,” Chris Kennedy, MLS Deputy Executive Director of Public Service, said. “We have a responsibility to make our materials available to as many children as possible. Removing these fines, while still requiring the items to be returned, will allow more children to enjoy our materials for education and enrichment.”

Historically, children’s overdue fines amount to less than 0.1 percent of our budget. As a result, they have little impact on library operations.

While fines will no longer be charged on children’s materials, items must come back to the library in a timely fashion and replacement costs will be charged after 60 days. Damaged materials will also be assessed a replacement charge.