Huron County libraries will be waiving all fines for overdue materials in the month of October.
Director of Cultural Services Beth Rumble explains participation in their Food for Fines program has dropped off, and public consultations indicated it was financial barriers that prevented some people from using libraries.
Rumble says in response to that information, during the month of October, people who have fines are welcome to come into the library, use the programs and services, and any fines will be waived.
Rumble adds there seem to be more issues with people in rural communities in getting material back to the library on time.
"Due to issues with transportation, the weather, they do sometimes have trouble returning their materials on time, which can result in fines. Particularly concerning is children's fines, which are completely out of their control but it does happen that parents say we're not using the library anymore because we keep getting fines."
Rumble also points out that fines only represent about one per cent of their budget and were never intended to be a revenue generator, but were there as an incentive for people to get materials back to the library on time because other people were waiting for it.