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Library trustees approve new policy

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Our library trustees voted unanimously to approve a “Fine Free Policy” for the library, which went into effect on Aug. 3. Other library systems have proven that late fines are not effective in getting materials returned, and for us, fines are less than one percent of total annual revenue. 

By eliminating late fines on most materials, we are providing more equitable access to our collection and services for everyone in our district. Books, movies, audiobooks, music CDs and magazines are now late-fine free. A few things like our laptops, NASA backpacks, telescope and interlibrary loan materials, that are typically received from out-of-state, do have late fines. 

Items still have due dates, and once they are 30-days overdue, they will be considered lost. We have two great services to remind people of when books are due. People can sign up for email notices with us at the library or receive text notices through Shoutbomb, by texting SIGNUP to 406-215-4240. 

If you have library materials that are really overdue, bring them back so we can clear the lost item charges from your account. All existing fines have been forgiven, so we hope that this gives everyone a fresh start and a new opportunity to visit and utilize the services of the library.

The library was the recipient of a grant from the Greater Polson Community Foundation last month.  With our grant, we have purchased a machine that allows us to repair damaged book bindings. We have already repaired quite a few books and they look like new. Books today are not made to hold up to repeated use, so this will allow us to extend the life of our collection and ensure that the books  people want to read are in good shape. Thank you GPCF for supporting our library.

We’ve added some exciting tech options recently. We now have T-Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to lend out.  These hotspots are provided to us by the Montana State Library and have a seven-day checkout period.  With a hotspot people can get internet access to devices anywhere that has cell service. Don’t have a device? We also have three laptops available for a seven-day checkout. Need to print from your computer or mobile device? We are temporarily offering a service where you can send print jobs to the library and either pay online with a card or pay with cash at the library. Stop in or give us a call. We can even provide curbside delivery for these options.

Just a few weeks are left to log your reading into our Summer Reading Program website. For every 100 points earned, participants are entered into our prize drawing, which will be held on Aug. 17. Register at http://northlakecolibrary.readsquared.com/. Remember, this program is for all ages.

The library is currently open Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The library is open 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays for those individuals who are considered to be vulnerable to this virus as defined in the Governor’s directive. Curbside pickup is available for everyone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Masks are required.

Don’t forget to complete your 2020 Census. Please call us at 406-883-8225 or email us at polsoncl@polson.lib.mt.us with questions or to request curbside pickup.

 

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