The Iowa Quad Cities RiverShare Libraries are cracking open an exciting new chapter for 2023, the consortium of libraries founded in 1966 said in a recent news release.
RiverShare member libraries have voted to stop collecting overdue fines for late materials. System libraries participating in fine-free include: Bettendorf Public, Clinton Community College, Clinton Public, Davenport Public, LeClaire Community, Muscatine Community College, Musser Public Library, Scott County College, and Scott County Library System.
The move to fine-free lending is designed to remove barriers in accessing library materials and foster library card usage for all.
“The potential of accruing overdue fines can prevent some community members from checking out library items or even obtaining a library card. We are committed to making our libraries as accessible as possible to those who need it the most” said Robert Fiedler, director of Musser Public Library.
The RiverShare Library consortium has a long history of library cooperation in sharing items and offering seamless lending capabilities to each other’s patrons. The nine-library consortium’s move to fine-free lending follows national library trends shown to increase library card usage.
The American Library Association indicates the evidence from recent fine-free libraries has shown to alleviate the draw on staff time in managing dues and removes economic barriers to accessing library materials and services.
“With the elimination of fines, items will still have due dates and need to be returned to the library, or a bill will be issued for a lost item. Research has shown that late fines don’t affect return rates, and we anticipate that removing fines will allow us to encourage more people to use our libraries,” said Scott County Library System Director Tricia Kane.
