MANSFIELD — The Mansfield/Richland County Public Library has announced that as of Nov. 1, it is a fine-free library system — MRCPL will no longer be charging fines for most returned items.
A key component of MRCPL’s mission is to provide resources and experiences for people of all ages, supporting a vibrant quality of life. Waiving fines is one way that we can ensure that all people in Richland County have access to our resources at all 9 locations.
As MRCPL pursues their goal to improve access and opportunity, they are also eliminating overdue late fees on all current, active library cards. As of November 1, every MRCPL cardholder will get a “clean slate” on their library cards with previous fines erased. If a customer has questions about a fine, they should speak with an MRCPL staff member.
When asked what this change will mean to the Library’s revenue, Director Chris May said, “Only 0.4% of MRCPL’s annual revenue was generated by paid fines.
“The amount of revenue collected was already dramatically reduced in 2018 with the implementation of automatic renewals and lower fines. This change will not affect the availability of services and resources we provide.”
Due dates will remain in place, and patrons who do not return library materials will be charged replacement fees and/or have their membership suspended until items are returned. Charges will also remain in place for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
All of the information regarding the Library’s new, fine-free policy can be found on mrcpl.org along with an endless possibility of digital and physical materials available to borrow, fine-free.
