Opportunity to 'Read-Off-Your-Fines' on accrued charges
West Sacramento, CA- In time for National Library Week which runs April 4-10, Yolo County Library is eliminating late fees for all patrons effective April 1.
Though items that are returned late will not accrue late fees, patrons are still expected to return library materials on time and will still be billed for lost or damaged items. The checkout period on items of three weeks will remain the same and reminders will still be sent via email. Patrons will still be responsible for late fees accrued before April 1, 2021, but will have the opportunity to 'Read-Off-Your-Fines' during the Yolo County Library's Summer Reading Program, which starts June 1.
"Late fees have a disproportionate impact on individuals, seniors and families who don't have the financial resources to pay them,…"
Mark Fink, Yolo County Librarian
"Late fees have a disproportionate impact on individuals, seniors and families who don't have the financial resources to pay them, and this makes it harder to take full advantage of our services," Yolo County Librarian and Chief Archivist Mark Fink said.
"Consequently, we are excited to join libraries nationwide to remove this financial barrier and look forward to welcoming folks back into our branches."
On March 9, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to eliminate late fees for all patrons, thereby strengthening Yolo County Library's commitment to providing equitable access for all to its resources. Previously in January 2019, the Board of Supervisors also voted to end late fees for children's accounts which resulted in increased borrowing by 28%.
For questions, contact staff at: (530) 666-8005, Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visit the Yolo County Library at: www.yolocountylibrary.org.