Kewaunee, Algoma libraries remove adult fines

By Star-News staff

KEWAUNEE COUNTY – The Kewaunee and Algoma Public Libraries recently announced that as of June 10 adult print materials are not subject to overdue fines. 

Both libraries went fine-free on children and teen print materials in June 2021. 

“We are excited to expand this initiative and be following the practice of many libraries around the country and removing this potential barrier to library services.

“This is our way of removing any reading barrier that we can to help increase literacy and improve library access for all residents of Kewaunee County. Fines can potentially be an obstacle that disproportionately impacts people without the means to pay. Removing these fines (while still requiring the items to be returned) will allow more people to enjoy our materials for education, enrichment, and inspiration. Patrons will continue to be charged for lost or damaged items. We still encourage and expect that patrons will bring back their print materials on time to make materials available to others who would like to borrow them,” a joint library release stated.

“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.’ Libraries throughout the country are going fine free and the response has been a high return of materials and high return of library users. We have seen that libraries who have adopted fine free policies are seeing the same rate on return of items.

“We are committed to increasing reading and literacy in our county. Both libraries have a comprehensive Summer Reading Program planned to encourage use of the library and reward community members for reading.

“Overall, summer reading programs improve reading skills and increase a person’s desire to read. Additionally, according to the School Library Journal, children who participate not only mitigate any summer learning loss, but they even show gains.”

For more information on the libraries, visit www.algomapubliclibrary.org or

www.kewauneepubliclibrary.org.