FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Granite City – September 1, 2021

What’s in your wallet? A Library card gives you access to a wealth of information! September is Library Card Sign-up Month and now that SMRLD is fine free it’s a perfect time to get your Library Card.

Anyone living in 62040 is eligible to get a free SMRLD library card.  To get your library card, either fill in the online form at smrld.org/connect/get-a-library-card/ or visit us at 2001 Delmar Avenue or 2145 Johnson Road.  There is nothing more empowering than getting your own library card. It gives you access to technology, resources, and services to pursue your passions and dreams.

The Six Mile Regional Library District, along with libraries everywhere, continue to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. Libraries offer everything from early literacy programs to job search assistance, helping transform lives and communities through education. At SMRLD, you’ll find a wide variety of educational resources and activities, including Research Databases and Streaming Movies, Music, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eComics, & eMagazines for all ages.

The Six Mile Regional Library District is committed to providing equal access to every member of our community and eliminating fines offers our cardholders a fresh start to rediscover all that their library has to offer. By eliminating most fines, the library is removing barriers and making access easy, equitable, and enjoyable for everyone. Existing fines for overdue items will be forgiven to ensure that everyone can start a new chapter at their now fine-free libraries. Fees for lost or damaged items will remain on the users account.

Customers are still encouraged to return materials on time but are no longer charged daily overdue fines on most items. Items borrowed through certain interlibrary loan systems will still accrue daily overdue fines. Customers remain responsible for replacement charges for lost and damaged items. As in the past, customers will receive multiple overdue notifications before their account is blocked or replacement costs charged. Blocks and replacement charges will be removed once items are returned.

Libraries have traditionally viewed overdue fines as a means to ensure that customers returned materials on time. Recent research, however, suggests that fines may actually discourage customers from using or returning to the library. Fines can be punitive to the most active and loyal customers, and they can disproportionately affect low-income households. Libraries that have gone fine free report positive public response as well as an increase of customers returning to the library. Many bring back materials that they have had out for years. In addition, most libraries that have gone fine free report that a majority of their customers still return items on time.

Come in and get your fine-free library card today or!

For more information, call 618-452-6238 ext. 710.

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Contacts: Tina Hubert, Executive Director, 618-452-6238 ext. 781

Kate Kite, AD/Delmar Ave Manager, 618-452-6238 ext. 782

Betsy Mahoney, AD/Johnson Rd Manager, 618-452-6238 ext. 785