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Saltville library drops overdue fines, names new branch manager and expands hours
Summary
Library representative Rose Likens announced that the Saltville branch has hired Kristen Wheeler as branch manager, will hire an assistant, has eliminated overdue fines and forgiven previous late fees, and has expanded Wi‑Fi hours to 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
The Saltville library announced changes at the July 8 Town Council meeting that affect patrons and services.
Rose Likens, speaking on the library’s behalf, said Kristen Wheeler has assumed the branch‑manager role formerly held by Kris Sheets and that the library will hire a new assistant. Likens announced the library is ending overdue and late fines; she said previously assessed late fees will be forgiven, while patrons will still be asked to replace items that are lost or damaged. Likens also said library Wi‑Fi availability has been expanded to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
Kristen Wheeler introduced herself at the meeting and described plans to add more hands‑on programming for adults and programming geared to homeschooling families.
Why it matters: Removing late fees is a trend among libraries aimed at reducing barriers to access for lower‑income patrons and increasing library use. Expanded Wi‑Fi hours and new programming may broaden community access to services for students, remote workers and residents without home internet.
What’s next: The library will recruit an assistant and staff will work with the community on program schedules; the council minutes do not record council action required to implement the policy change.
