Altoona Library going 'fine free' to encourage more reading

Friday, May 31, 2019
Samantha Wensel | WQOW

Altoona (WQOW) - Starting June 3, if you check out a book from the Altoona Public Library, you won't have to worry about finishing it on time, because they're going fine free.

That means if you're late to turn in nearly any book or movie (items such as iPads, and higher-demand/expensive items will still have fees), you won't get fined. Library officials say even those who have a library card blocked, will have their fines waived, so they can come back and check out books again.

Alyson Jones, library director, told News 18 going fine free makes sense with their mission (to promote literacy and build a more enriched community).

"We want those kids to be able to participate in our summer reading program, and to be able to come into the library and feel free to pick up a book, pick up a video, sit in on a story time, and not have to worry about those sorts of barriers," Jones said.

Jones said library fines contribute less than 1% of the library's revenue. They'd rather see more books circulated than more fines collected.

The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire is also fine free.

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