Mary Riley Styles Library Eliminates Fines For Overdue Items

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Falls Church's Mary Riley Styles Public Library has eliminated fines for overdue books and other materials on July 1. All previous fines for overdue materials will also be forgiven.

Lost, missing, or damaged materials will remain on the account of a library member until returned or a replacement fee is paid. Materials that are 30 days overdue are automatically billed to the member's account. If those materials are returned in good condition, the fee will be removed from the account.

"Library overdue fines disproportionately affect those that need the library the most, serving as a barrier to library use," said Library Director Jenny Carroll. "Ending overdue fines supports our mission; the library is open and accessible to all members of our community."

The library system in neighboring Arlington County also announced the elimination of fines starting on July. Existing fines and replacement fees will continue for Arlington library members.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library remains closed to the public until further notice with curbside pickup services available. On July 6, curbside pickup hours were expanded to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The library is operating out of trailers at Thomas Jefferson Elementary, 601. South Oak Street.

For more information, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/424/Library.