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Off the Shelf: Fine Free in the New Year

Each year the library updates its Fines and Fees Schedule. The 2020 Schedule includes a significant change: New Ulm Public Library will no longer charge overdue fines on materials, with the exception of WiFi hotspots.

The library’s mission is “we share as a community a haven for learning, imagination, discovery.” Overdue fines create an unnecessary barrier to access to library resources that already belong to and are paid for by the community. Patrons who are most often affected by overdue fines are those who most need access to the library and its resources. By eliminating overdue fines we hope to reduce obstacles to library use and make sure we are offering equal access to library resources for all patrons.

Although the library will not be assessing fines for overdue materials, we still ask our patrons to follow the due dates assigned to the materials they borrow. Others want access to these items and we ask our patrons to respect the rights of others to access the library’s collection. We will not assess fines for materials that are overdue, but will still bill patrons for items that are damaged or lost. Once an item is more than 14 days overdue, the library will issue a bill for that item. Any library card that carries $10 or more in fines for lost or damaged items will be blocked from use until items are returned/replaced or the bill is paid.

The library will forgive all outstanding overdue fines on Jan. 1, 2020. Outstanding fines for lost and damaged materials will remain. You can renew materials and manage your library account anytime at http://tds-mt.iii.com/

We wish you a Happy New Year and as always look forward to seeing you in the library!

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