Laramie County Library System is now fine free! The library’s Board of Directors voted to eliminate overdue fines, forgive existing fines, and remove most fees for services and materials, which means our services are more accessible than ever before. The policy change also helps Laramie County Library System continue to pursue its mission “to be a hub for engagement, literacy and learning, and lifelong curiosity and discovery,” by making it even easier to use the library to discover new books, new resources, and new information.
“Public libraries in the United States were formed to ensure equal access to information,” said the County Librarian and Executive Director Carey Hartmann. “Removing fines and fees will assist those in our community who are most in need of free and easy access to library materials. The families and individuals this will most impact are those who value engagement and growth but have to make difficult decisions on where and how to spend money. We are dedicated to eliminating barriers, and this change makes our services considerably more accessible.”
Fine elimination and forgiveness is not the only exciting change for the library; video games and DVDs now check out for free with an extended loan period of seven days, and television series check out for free as well with an extended loan period of twenty-one days. In addition, there is no longer a fee to utilize meeting room equipment such as AV carts and projectors.
While overdue fines have been eliminated, it is important to note that library users will still be charged for lost and damaged items. Lost and damaged item charges have not been forgiven and still remain on library users’ accounts.
These changes went into effect August 1, 2022. The library encourages any individual who has questions about removed fines, remaining charges, or other issues with accounts to call the library at 307-634-3561 or to visit a service desk at any library location. The policy change applies to all three branches in Cheyenne, Burns, and Pine Bluffs and items and materials on the bookmobile.
For information about this change, details on the library’s lost and damaged items policy, and explanations of remaining charges, please visit https://lclsonline.org/finefree/.
Laramie County Library System is excited to turn a new page in its efforts to remove barriers to access and looks forward to welcoming new and returning patrons to the library. Come take advantage of these exciting new changes today!