OCEAN COUNTY –The Ocean County Library has announced that they will become fine-free starting July 1.
This decision was decided on at the Ocean County Library Commission’s June 15 meeting. With a mission to connect people, build community, and transform lives, the commission felt that eliminating overdue fines with further support that vision, lifting barriers on the Library’s resources.
“Going fine-free provides wider access and enjoyment of the Library’s resources,” Ocean County Commissioner Joseph Vicari, the Library liaison said. “We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the use of our Libraries.”
“The Ocean County Library system suspended late fines when the Coronavirus pandemic forced its closure in March 2020,” Library Assistant Director Sara Siegler said. “After the July 2020 reopening, nearly all materials were returned.”
Statistics state that over the past several years, the average rate of return of materials is 99.79 percent.
The American Library Association passed a resolution in 2019 that said overdue fines are a barrier to equitable access and asked libraries to remove them.
“Our Ocean County residents are very responsible about taking care of their Library books and materials and returning them,” Library Director Susan Quinn said. “As a result, the Ocean County Library Commission decided to make the suspension of late fines permanent.”
“Nothing is more important to the Library than maintaining a healthy relationship with patrons. Saying ‘farewell to fines’ is another step in the right direction,” Ocean County Library Commission Chair Ruthanne Scaturro said.
“It will make using our services more convenient for our patrons who lead busy lives, and for those living with limited resources,” Library Commission Vice Chair Christopher Mullins said.
The Library will still apply due dates for the books and materials and will continue to send reminders when the items are due back. Items can be returned to any branch and dropped off at any time. Those with items checked out will be are given a seven-day grace period to return overdue items before borrowing privileges will be suspended or until the cost of replacement has been paid.
Although most Ocean County Library materials will no longer have overdue fines, there are a few exceptions, such as equipment and for materials that are owned by other libraries and borrowed through Interlibrary Loan.
For more information, browse the catalog, obtain a Library card, register for events, and more, visit theoceancountylibrary.org.
