Warsaw Community Public Library: Improved Access To Library Collections
By Ann Zydek
Library Director
Did you know that the Warsaw Community Public Library removed another barrier to your access of library collections? The library went “fines free” on Jan. 1 to enhance learning opportunities and to increase reading, viewing, and listening enjoyment. There are no overdue charges for library materials.
Nevertheless, library borrowers are strongly encouraged to renew due items still interested in using by person, phone, or online. Materials on “hold” for another borrower are unable to be renewed. Strive to keep your library records up-to-date to avoid items reaching “lost” status at 28 days overdue. Users with overdue materials forfeit borrowing and Internet privileges until the library gets the items returned or replaced. When an item becomes lost, the cardholder assumes full responsibility for loss of the library material checked out on their library card and agrees to make full restitution. Feel free to call the library at (574) 267-6011 with questions.
Most public libraries that have moved to “fines free” have discovered that nearly all overdue items return to the library in the first week. Many see an increase in circulated items. Erin Streeter, children’s librarian, shared with me that some parents have been “really happy” to hear about the new “fines free” policy. Some parents with multiple children now let their children check out all the books they want, often 30 at a time. Parents don’t have to make a special trip in if busy with activities or worry if books are a day late due to winter storms.
I have heard that last year’s changes made to lengthen some loan periods has been liberating. Most items in the children’s area now circulate for three weeks. Caregivers especially like that the new fiction books and holiday books loan period changed from one week to three weeks. Too often before children picked out a one-week book, but left it behind at checkout. Parents shared that the books would be overdue before they returned to the library weeks later.
As temperatures plummet, I encourage you to visit the library to select book and audiobook titles or download eBook and eAudio titles. Settle into your favorite cozy place and enjoy a new story or learn about a topic of personal interest. Join me in participating in the library’s winter reading program running through Feb. 28. Count your book pages and dream of winter reading prizes.