The Berks County Public Library System recently announced that beginning on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, all system-member libraries, including the Village Library of Morgantown and the Boone Area Library in Birdsboro, will be clearing overdue fines from all patron accounts as part of their fine-free policy change. Additionally, all traditional library materials, including books, audio and visual materials, will no longer accrue fines for being late.

The decision to remove the outdated financial barrier was unanimously accepted by all library directors in the library system, a move that was supported by the three Berks County commissioners.

In September, the commissioners approved a proposal that was offered to all system member libraries to pay off outstanding fines on all patron accounts utilizing county lost revenue funds. Libraries accepting the proposal would receive a one-time payment to become fine free for all of their traditional materials.

The decision to purge late fines from all accounts impacts 21,326 library patrons, some which are barred from library services after accruing more than $10 in fines.

While the decision to go fine free affects the majority of library materials available, there are a few exceptions for specialty items such as admission passes, equipment, Library of Things materials and items borrowed from outside the system.

Additionally, long-overdue items, regardless of their fine free status, will be marked as lost and accrue fees for each item.

Additional information about the library system's transition to fine free is available at http://www.berkslibraries.org/fine-free.