TIVERTON — The Tiverton Public Library and Union Public Library have said goodbye to overdue fines. As of July 1, all Tiverton-owned library materials no longer accrue overdue fines. 

Patrons must still return materials on time to avoid being billed for overdue materials and so others may enjoy the materials. Fines may still accrue on materials owned by other libraries so it is recommended that patrons check the owning library’s overdue policy. Replacement fees are still assessed for materials that are lost or damaged.

The Tiverton libraries join many other Rhode Island public libraries that have already adopted fine free policies. The Tiverton Library Board of Trustees voted to approve this initiative at their regular meeting on June 21, 2021. Going fine-free removes barriers to library use, increases access to library materials, and decreases the financial burden for low-income individuals, older adults, children, and families, the library said.

For more information about this initiative or to check your library account, visit tivertonlibrary.org.