MORGANTOWN — The Morgantown Public Library System is pleased to announce that beginning in 2019 it will no longer charge overdue fines for items returned after the due date. The libraries will continue to charge replacement costs for lost or damaged items.
The Morgantown Public Library System’s goal is to make the library and its collections as accessible as possible to our patrons. Fines are a barrier to that access, and that is why the library has decided to eliminate its fines. Many libraries that have eliminated their fines have seen increased library use and a greater rate of return of library materials, making more items available to all of our patrons.
No fines does not mean no responsibility. Patrons are still expected to return their items on time. Typically, courtesy notices will be e-mailed two days before items are due as a reminder. Overdue notices will still be sent and if materials are still not returned, patrons will be sent a bill for the replacement cost of the items.
All existing overdue fines will be cleared on Jan. 2 from patrons’ records. Bills for lost or damaged items will remain on patrons’ records.
If you have any questions concerning this new change, please contact the Morgantown Public Library at 304-291-7425.
Other library news
The Morgantown Public Library System will be closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1 for the New Year’s holiday.
