This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
01/21/2020 11:00 PMDid you get too absorbed in your book that you forgot to return it to the library? Don’t sweat it—starting this month, the Henry Carter Hull Library is adopting a fine-free policy.
The policy means that if you have an overdue item, the amount you pay is up to you. Items eligible under the plan include books, movies, CDs, and audiobooks. Fines will continue on items such as like WIFI Internet Hotspots, Roku Streaming Devices, Nooks, e-readers, and musical instruments.
The reason for the policy can in part be attributed to the good behavior of the library patrons. A review of the library finances found that less than one percent of the budget was composed of late fees.
“As a thank you to our patrons for their responsible borrowing, we’re excited and optimistic about this opportunity to eliminate late-fines starting in January,” said the library’s adult programming coordinator Sarah Borgnis-Tobin.
Borgnis-Tobin cited email and text reminders as the reason that people have become better at returning items on time.
Besides the fine policy, the library also announced that it will be open on Sundays this winter from noon to 4 p.m. through March. The extended hours were attributed to the support from Clinton residents during the 2019-’20 town budget referendum.