ST. LOUIS (KMOX) — Overdue fees are going away at St. Louis City and County public libraries and will instead put freezes on library cards if items aren't returned within a few weeks.
St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Library are waiving late fees starting this month. This includes other library materials besides books.
The idea is to give people greater access to library resources without having to worry about fines. However, you'll still get reminders leading up to 42 days past due. If you don't return the item by then, you're charged the entire cost for the item. There will also be a hold put on your library card if you have an item overdue for that long.
"Our libraries are among our greatest assets in St. Louis County and City," St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page said. "I commend the two districts for coming together and opening the door to learning even wider by eliminating overdue fines.”
"Reading has the unique ability to inform, illuminate and inspire." St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson stated. "It's important that we make our great libraries as accessible as possible to the community. I am grateful to our two incredible library systems for collaborating together to do just that and go fine-free.”
Revenues from library fines have dropped in recent years, leading to the board of trustees for both library systems to eliminate them entirely.