Swampscott Public Library Now Fine-Free

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Those who may have an old book from the Swampscott Public Library hanging around a few extra weeks — or a few extra years — will now be able to bring them on back to the library with no penalty.

The library said it will be fine-free for nearly all overdue materials effective immediately. Any past-due fines for items will be removed from patron records.

If items are not returned, replacement fees still apply and residents will not be able to check out new materials until they are paid for or returned. But once items are returned there will no longer be a fine attached.

Fines and fees for items borrowed from other libraries are set by the owning library, so those may still apply. Those with questions can call 781)-596-8867.

The decision was made with the idea that overdue fines are a deterrent to equitable access and serve only as a punishment for missing a return deadline. The library said the fine-free initiative is in keeping with revised guidelines from the American Library Association and is supported by the Swampscott Public Library and Library Board of Trustees.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)