06/15/2026
The Missouri River Regional Library, serving Cole and Osage Counties, is happy to make the announcement effective July 1, 2026 overdue fines will not accrue on books and materials. The Library Board of Trustees unanimously approved the change, placing the library system among a growing number of public libraries across the state and country that have eliminated overdue fines. 📖🥳
This is the library’s way of removing any barriers to reading, literacy, and access for all patrons. Fines can potentially be an obstacle that disproportionately impacts people without the means to pay. Removing these fines (while still requiring the items to be returned) will allow more people to enjoy our library materials for education, recreation, and research. Patrons will continue to be charged for lost or damaged items. It is still expected that patrons will bring back their materials on time to make them available to others who would like to borrow them. Additionally, the library will remove all outstanding overdue fines from patron accounts. Charges for lost or damaged items will remain. 💸
As the use of the library’s digital materials grows, overdue fine revenue logically diminishes because digital materials are returned automatically. The library’s fine revenue over the last five years has been less than half a percent of total revenue. For patrons who have considered overdue fines a donation, the library is grateful for donations of any amount. Library officials recommend donating directly to the library or the MRRL Foundation. 👏💲
