Monroe Library Board unanimously removes late fines, raises family borrowing limit

The Monroe City Library Board voted unanimously April 13 to remove late fines from the library’s User Related and Circulation policies and to increase the family-account borrowing limit.

Library Director Shelly Monroe told the board she had for two years been waiving overdue fees and that "the policy had worked well, and the library was not losing as many items as before." Monroe recommended formalizing that practice by removing Section F (fines) from the policy manual and approving other wording changes to card fees and reference materials.

Vice Chair Jennifer Nackowski said the trend toward eliminating fines has spread nationally, and the board discussed how the change might affect access and returns. After debate about language for nonresident cards and circulation clarifications, Board Member Noelle Smith moved to adopt the amended User Related and Circulation policies; Board Member Dawn Von Nosdol seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Adopted changes include revising the nonresident card statement to read that patrons living outside Monroe city will be charged $10 for a two-year card, exempting students who live in the South Sevier School District from card fees, clarifying that reference books are non-circulating, increasing the family account limit from 16 to 24 items, removing the fines section, and changing renewals language so that "renewals and additional loans for patrons with overdue books will be at the discretion of the library director and staff." The board voted to accept the policies as amended.

Board members said they will revisit implementation details as needed and that staff will continue tracking returns and losses to monitor the policy’s effect.

The board also approved the minutes from Jan. 12, 2026, and set the next meeting for July 13, 2026 at 5 p.m.