To promote childhood reading, facilitate access to children’s books, and encourage children and families to use the Commerce libraries, starting Monday, April 8, 2019, the library is eliminating overdue fines for children’s books and materials. Children and families may be hesitant about borrowing children’s books because of late fees if not turned in on time. This program will allow them not to worry about returning children’s books and materials late.

Starting April 8, 2019, all children’s books and materials can be borrowed just like before with a due date to return them. You will have up to 30 days from the due date to return the items you borrowed and not get charged a late fee. After the 30 days, the item(s) are considered lost and you will be charged the cost of the item and a processing fee.

All children’s books, magazines, audiobooks, book and CD sets, and portable audiobooks will not have overdue fines after April 8, 2019.

At this time, teen and adult materials will still accrue overdue fines.

The new policy is to promote reading. Children’s DVDs and music CDs will still accrue overdue fines.

At this time, PACE supplies will still accrue overdue fines.

Children’s items not returned 30 days after the due date will be charged the cost of the item and a processing fee.

No. Starting Monday, April 8, 2019, there will be no overdue fines on children’s materials, no matter who borrows them.