Morley, Mentor Public Library starting fine-free policies May 3

In efforts to eliminate economic barriers and advance customer service, Mentor Public Library announced this week it will eliminate the charge of overdue fines for most items — including books, DVDs, magazines, CDs and video games — effective May 3. The goal of this change is to make the library system as accessible as possible to all of its patrons. “Eliminating most of our fines is a customerservice initiative, not a financial one,” said Mentor Public Library Executive Director Cheryl Kuonen. “Overdue fines make up less than a tenth of 1 percent of the library’s operating revenues, but they can create frustration for our patrons and even cause people not to use their community library.” Eliminating overdue fines does not eliminate patron responsibility for the items they check out, however — patrons will still be billed the full cost when items are not returned. In addition, patrons with existing overdue fines will still be responsible for payment. Specialty items like hot spots, other electrical devices, and the items in Mentor Public Library’s Library of Things will continue to accrue overdue fines. For more information, visit mentorpl.org/refinefines.

Morley Library

A new fine-free policy will also take effect on the same day Morley Library in Painesville reopens the building to the public after an extended closure due to the county’s Level 3 public health emergency. Starting May 3, overdue fines will not accrue on almost all items owned by Morley Library, and borrowers will not be charged any fees as long as items are returned. Exceptions, too, are wifi hot spots and materials owned by other CLEVNET libraries. Library Director Aurora Martinez said overdue fines hit hardest for many patrons who may need the library most. “We’re glad to be joining with the public libraries in Mentor, Fairport Harbor, Kirtland, and WilloughbyEastlake, as well as many libraries in Ohio and across the country, in removing fines and increasing access to books and other valuable resources,” she said. The detailed policy is available at morleylibrary.org, or patrons can call 440-352-3383 for more information.