No more overdue fines at the Idaho Falls Library

The Idaho Falls Public Library will no longer charge overdue fines beginning this month.

All past overdue fines will be forgiven, and those who have not been able to borrow items from the library are encouraged to return to the library and renew their library cards.

“The intent of this change it to encourage everyone in the community to use the library,” said Library Director Robert Wright. “We don’t want additional fees to become a reason for people not using the library. Rather than worrying about an overdue book or a late fee, we just want them to enjoy and use the beautiful library that the community has established.”

With the elimination of fines, those who have overdue items will be required to return or renew those items, prior to checking out additional items.

Library staff are hopeful that the effort to eliminate fines will spur additional use of the library, especially for children.