RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) - The Mid-Columbia Libraries will no longer charge fines for overdue library books and other material starting Jan. 1.
The Tri-City Herald reports the staff will also be authorized to forgive prior fines.
The move follows a national trend, with public libraries in Seattle and Spokane among those that no longer collect overdue fees.
The library board decided to quit charging overdue fines because it keeps some people from using the library, especially children and families during times critical to learning and development.
Library officials say the change is not expected to cause a drop in revenue because the cost of collecting fines exceeded the amount collected.
Mid-Columbia Libraries branches are located in Kennewick, Pasco, West Richland, Prosser, Benton City, Basin City, Connell, Kahlotus, Othello and Merill’s Corner.
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Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com
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