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Bentley Memorial Library board approves fine‑free policy to start May 1, 2025
Summary
At a special meeting April 29, the Bentley Memorial Library Board voted unanimously to implement a fine‑free policy beginning May 1, 2025; the board said the Library Policies will be updated at its September meeting and that lost/damaged rules remain unchanged.
The Bentley Memorial Library Board voted unanimously April 29 to adopt a fine‑free policy that will eliminate overdue fines and take effect May 1, 2025, the board was told.
At the special meeting, a staff member identified only in the transcript as Ms. Thornton reported that the Board of Selectmen voted to implement the fine‑free policy and that Bibliomation — the library automation vendor — is prepared to update the library’s profile to reflect the change by the May 1 start date. Thornton said patrons owing fines will receive amnesty for fines accrued since the Board of Selectmen’s vote and that the library’s lost/damaged policy will remain unchanged: an item will be considered lost if it has not been returned three weeks after the due date, after reminders have been sent.
Brook Nowak moved to approve the fine‑free policy and the May 1, 2025 starting date; Dot (Dorothy) Neil seconded. The motion carried unanimously; all six board members present voted in favor. The board noted it will amend the Library Policies document to reflect the change and consider those edits at its regular September meeting.
The meeting also included a brief welcome for new board member Cami Soucy and ended after a motion to adjourn passed unanimously.
The board took no further formal actions at the special meeting.
