Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – The Warren Public Library announced it will eliminate overdue fines for late materials, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
The library will still charge replacement and processing fees, but the daily fines that accrue for late materials will cease.
“In 2023, Warren Public Library celebrated 150 years of serving our community,” the library said in its announcement. “In 2024, we’re looking to the future of library service by eliminating daily fines for overdue Warren Public Library materials. Not only will these late fines not be charged moving forward, but all Warren Public Library patrons will see any existing daily late fines removed from their account.”
The library cited potential positive results as one of the driving influences behind the change.
“At other libraries, this policy change has had positive outcomes,” the announcement said. “It can result in increased customer visits and circulation. Data shows that it does not result in longer wait lists or a big increase of overdue materials.”
Instead of accruing fines, patrons will be notified once their materials are seven days overdue. They will receive another notification at 14 days overdue. If the materials have not been returned within 21 days of the due date, the borrower will be charged the applicable replacement fee and a $5 processing fee.
“Public libraries are a place that offer equitable access to everyone in our community,” the announcement said. “Late or overdue fines have created barriers that discourage people who cannot pay their fines from using the Library. In eliminating fines, the Warren Public Library encourages all users to come back to the library, as well as attract new users to experience our resources, services, programs, and offerings.”
The change only applies to the Warren Public Library, not other libraries throughout Warren County.
Read the full announcement and accompanying FAQs here.
JANUARY ADULT PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Warren Public Library has also released its January 2024 adult program schedule.
To register for a program or to ask questions about programs, please stop by the Reference Room, call (814) 723-4650 and follow the prompts for Reference/Adult Services, or email [email protected].
Big Read Book Discussion: There There by Tommy Orange | Thursday, Jan. 4, 6 to 7 p.m. | Registration required
Craft Day: No-Sew Fleece Lap Blankets | Monday, Jan. 8, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Registration required
Chair Yoga | Tuesday, Jan. 9, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Movie Night | Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Chair Yoga | Thursday, Jan. 11, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Book Discussion: Choose a Book by its Cover | Thursday, Jan. 18, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Chair Yoga | Monday, Jan. 22, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Virtual Author Talk: Rajiv Nagaich | Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2 to 3 p.m.
Game Night | Wednesday, Jan. 24, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Chair Yoga | Thursday, Jan. 25, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
National Puzzle Day | Monday, Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Author Talk: Dr. Robert Lustig | Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2 to 3 p.m.
