Got an overdue book? Quincy Public Library is fine free through Friday

QUINCY — The Quincy Public Library is encouraging people to visit their library in person or online to explore and access services and programs, because the QPL is fine free through Friday.

National Library Week is a time to highlight the role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. QPL’s elimination of overdue fines is an initiative that commenced during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the Quincy community had access to the library regardless of their ability to return materials.  The Quincy Public Library Board of Directors made a motion to continue the initiative. 

“Libraries are for everyone and should be used by all members of our community, regardless of one’s ability to pay fines,” said Kathleen Helsabeck, executive director of the Quincy Public Library.  “We are excited to continue this initiative and join countless libraries across the country that have gone fine free.”  

All old overdue material fines have been removed from all patron records. If an item was lost or damaged and the fine was unpaid, that fine is still on the record and needs to be paid. Anyone who needs to return QPL materials – books, DVDs, CD, books on CD or video games — should drop them off inside the library, outside the library in the drop box or in drop boxes at the Quincy Mall, Wal-Mart, County Market, HyVee, John Wood Community College, Lincoln Douglass School and Iles School.  

QPL is joining a growing movement nationwide to break down barriers to library access and encourage use of library services.  Library systems in Chicago and Los Angeles have eliminated overdue fines in recent years.