The RiverShare Library System includes nine Iowa libaries. And spokeswoman Courtney Pritchard says when COVID hit, many people were sheltering at home and out of work, so libraries stopped charging fines.
"But it kind of showed everyone that we're getting a better response from the community, more community engagement, when this isn't an issue for people.
Then as people returned to normal work schedules and activities, RiverShare librarians convinced their boards of directors to continue the no-fine policy.
"So many of us pausing them during COVID, we already had the numbers to be able to show the boards we've been without this revenue already for the last two to three years, we don't need it."
Pritchard says processing fines was not worth the time and effort, and now librarians will have more time for other more important projects. But patrons still have to pay for damaged or lost books and other materials.
"To do everything for the fines and fees, it takes at least ten hours minimum a week. It's not a small job, it's not a very quick job either just due to the details that have to be attended to with it."
RiverShare libaries include Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, LeClaire, Muscatine (Musser), three community colleges, and the Scott County Library System.
Also starting this week, the Rock Island Library stopped charging late fees for most overdue materials, with the exception of certain specialty items.
