Logo courtesy the Jackson Madison County Library
The Jackson-Madison County Library is going fine free! This means that overdue fines have been eliminated. Checked out materials will now auto-renew if they are not returned by their due date unless the item is on hold for another patron. An item is eligible to be renewed two times. This applies to all materials, with the exception of MiFi devices, which are still not eligible for renewals, and Library of Things items, which will auto-renew only once. If an item is not returned 14 days after the final renewal, the borrower will be billed for the cost of the item and their card will be blocked from library use until resolved. If the item is returned in good condition the charges will be waived. All current overdue fines will be removed from our patrons’ accounts; balances for lost or damaged items will remain. “Overdue fines create barriers to service and often stop patrons from using their library,” says Library Director, Dinah Harris. “We strive to provide excellent service to all residents. By eliminating overdue fines, we hope to share our collection and services with even more community members.”
This decision coincides with the beginning of National Library Card Sign-up Month. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when JMC Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning. There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions. JMC Library, along with libraries everywhere, continue to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. This year, Marley Dias, founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, author and executive producer, is taking on a new role as honorary chair of Library Card Sign-Up Month. In her new role, Dias will promote the value of libraries and encourage everyone to get their very own library. Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries work together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.
The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson. For more information, contact the Library at 731-425-8600, visit the Library’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/JMCLibrary or its website at www.jmclibrary.org.